The winless Chicago Bulls (0-3), 3-point underdogs, welcome the Charlotte Hornets (2-2) to United Center. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 231.5 points and it will air on NBC Sports Chicago at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 24, 2018.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Odds
Both teams did not cover as underdogs in their last outing. The Hornets (8.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Toronto Raptors, 127-106, while the Bulls (5-point underdogs) fell to the Dallas Mavericks, 115-109. The Charlotte game finished 8 points over the projected point total of 225, while the Chicago game finished 5 points under the projected point total of 229.
Charlotte held Toronto to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.6 (below their season average of 26.2) while Chicago had a better effective field goal percentage (0.594 vs. 0.511). Zach LaVine had a good outing for Chicago, contributing 34 points. Kemba Walker, meanwhile played a key role for Charlotte with 26 points, five rebounds and five assists.
It could be a tough game for Chicago on the offensive glass. The Bulls rank 26th in offensive rebounding percentage (20.4 percent), while Charlotte ranks first in defensive rebounding percentage (80.5 percent) dating back to the 2017-18 season. Ball protection should be an advantage for the Hornets. They rank 3rd at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.2 percent), while the Bulls have forced the fourth-fewest turnovers in the league (opponents’ turnover percentage of 12.9 percent).
The Hornets have had records of 38-48 straight up (SU) and 38-45-3 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Games including Charlotte have finished over the O/U total 53.5 percent of the time since last season.
On the other hand, the Bulls, are 27-58 SU and 45-46 ATS since last season. Over that same stretch, Chicago’s games have had a tendency to finish under the O/U total (57.1 percent).
The Bulls captured this series last year, winning three out of four games. In the most recent contest, Chicago won 120-114. Chicago had a much better turnover percentage (6.1 vs. 17.6). Charlotte, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (21-28; 75.0 percent).
Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- The Bulls rank 20th in steals per game (7.5) while the Hornets rank 29th (6.8).
- Charlotte averages 45.4 rebounds per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. Chicago ranks 27th in rebounds allowed per game (45.8).
- The Hornets rank third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.6) while the Bulls rank 16th (16.5).
- Chicago ranks 15th in fast break points per game (11.6) while Charlotte ranks 28th (9.3).
- Chicago averages 30.9 three pointers per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. Charlotte ranks 19th in three pointers allowed per game (30.3).
- The Hornets rank 10th in second chance points per game (13.2) while the Bulls rank 26th (11.2).
- The Hornets rank 18th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Bulls rank last (3.6).
- Charlotte ranks 18th in points in the paint per game (43.7) while Chicago ranks 26th (42.0).
- Chicago ranks 10th in assists per game (23.5) while Charlotte ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (24.8).
- Charlotte is 14-3 when they allow below 100 points, while Chicago is 8-6.
- In games where they reach 100 points, the Bulls are 24-29 and the Hornets are 37-25.
