The Chicago Bulls (5-10) go head-to-head with the Miami Heat (10-3) at the United Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, November 22, 2019, and will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 214.5 points with Miami set as a 4.5-point favorite.
Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls Free Prediction
The Heat will be looking for similar success after comfortably covering the 9.5-point spread against the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last game, 124-100. The game’s combined points (224) were over the O/U total of 213. The Heat made 23 of their 31 free throws (74.2 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 20.8). Miami rallied around Jimmy Butler, who recorded 21 points, five rebounds and five assists.
The last time the Bulls played, they had no trouble getting past the Detroit Pistons, 109-89, despite being 1-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (198) were well under the projected point total of 222.5. The Bulls held the Pistons to an effective field goal percentage of 0.386 (below their season average of 0.544) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.1 (above their season average of 21.9). With 15 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, Shaquille Harrison had a good game for Chicago.
After the Heat won two out of three meetings against the Bulls last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Chicago won 105-89. The Bulls made 17 of their 21 free throws (81.0 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.564 vs. 0.449).
Miami comes into the game with records of 10-3 straight up (SU) and 9-2-2 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Heat have a slight tendency to go under the total (53.8 percent).
Meanwhile, Chicago owns records of 5-10 SU and 7-8 ATS. Games including the Bulls also have gone under the projected point total 53.3 percent of the time.
Chicago might have trouble finding the bottom of the net as they face off against one of the league’s best defenses. Miami ranks first in defensive efficiency while the Bulls rank 28th in offensive efficiency. Ball protection could be troublesome for the Heat. They rank 30th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.1 percent), while the Bulls force the second-most turnovers in the NBA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.3 percent).
Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls Free Pick
NBA Tip: ATS Winner – Heat
Bettings Trends:
On the road, Miami is 4-2-1 ATS with 4 unders and 3 overs.
Chicago is 4-4 ATS at home with 4 overs and 4 unders.
Miami is 4-1 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Chicago is 2-0.
The Heat are 10-1 when they reach 100 points, while the Bulls are 5-6.
Chicago ranks first in points off turnovers per game (22.0) while Miami ranks 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (20.2).
The Heat rank second in rebounds allowed per game (40.5) while the Bulls rank 27th (49.1).
Chicago ranks second in steals per game (9.5) while Miami ranks 26th in steals allowed per game (9.2).
The Heat rank sixth in blocks allowed per game (4.2) while the Bulls rank 27th (6.9).
Chicago ranks third in second chance points per game (15.3) while Miami ranks 22nd (11.8).
The Bulls rank third in fast break points per game (15.7) while the Heat rank 20th (12.4).
Chicago ranks 11th in three pointers attempted per game (34.9) while Miami ranks 27th in three pointers allowed per game (37.3).
The Heat average 26.2 assists per game, which ranks seventh in the league. The Bulls rank 16th in assists allowed per game (24.1).
Miami ranks 14th in points in the paint per game (47.5) while Chicago ranks 22nd in points allowed in the paint per game (49.9).
In its last five contests, Miami is 3-1-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Chicago is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Heat’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.8, up from 8.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 111.2 points per game (3.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.4 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
