The Chicago Bulls (7-23) will travel to Chesapeake Energy Arena to square off with the Oklahoma City Thunder (18-10). The Bulls opened as 13-point underdogs. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 213.5 points and it can be seen on WGN Channel 9 at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, December 17, 2018.
Chicago Bulls at Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Odds
The Bulls were victorious over the San Antonio Spurs in their last matchup, 98-93, despite being 9-point underdogs. The Thunder, meanwhile, defeated the Los Angeles Clippers,110-104, but were not able to cover as 7-point favorites. The Chicago game went 22.5 points under the projected point total of 213.5, while the Oklahoma City game finished 7.5 points under the projected point total of 221.5.
The Bulls had a ridiculously low turnover percentage of 6.8 (better than their season average of 14.1) and held the Spurs to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.9 (below the 24.5 mark opponents have averaged against Chicago this season). The Thunder, on the other hand, forced 26 turnovers and held the Clippers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.2 (below their season average of 22.3). Paul George played a pivotal role for Oklahoma City with 33 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Chicago was led by Kris Dunn, who contributed 24 points and seven rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Lauri Markkanen led the Bulls to a 114-112 win. He produced 24 points and 7 rebounds. The two teams combined to put up 226 points, which was over the projected point total of 219, and Chicago covered as an 8.5-point underdog. Chicago’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Oklahoma City. The Bulls had a rate of 0.598 while the Thunder posted a mark of 0.511.
Bulls games have typically finished under the O/U total (70.0 percent). Chicago heads into the contest with records of 7-23 straight up (SU) and 14-15-1 against the spread (ATS).
Thunder games also tend to finish under the O/U total (57.1 percent). Further, Oklahoma City is 18-10 SU and 15-13 ATS.
The offensive glass could be a major advantage for Oklahoma City in this showdown. The Thunder are among the league’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking first in offensive rebounding percentage at 27.3 percent. Meanwhile, Chicago ranks 21st in the NBA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 75.7 percent. Additionally, the Bulls’ 30th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 98.4) will face a tough test against the Thunder’s top-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 100.9).
Bulls at Thunder Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Thunder rank 6 in fast break points per game (15.928571428571429) while the Bulls rank 13 in fast break points allowed per game (13.633333333333333).
- Oklahoma City ranks second in second chance points per game (15.6) while Chicago ranks 29th (9.3).
- The Thunder rank first in points off turnovers per game (21.4) while the Bulls rank 24th (15.7).
- Oklahoma City averages 5.6 blocks per game, which ranks eighth in the league. Chicago ranks 28th in blocks allowed per game (6.4).
- Oklahoma City ranks 5 in points in the paint per game (52.42857142857143) while Chicago ranks 24 (44.53333333333333).
- The Thunder average 48.0 rebounds per game, which ranks third in the NBA. The Bulls rank last in rebounds allowed per game (48.7).
- The Thunder rank 6 in three pointers allowed per game (29.357142857142858) while the Bulls rank 26 (33.9).
- Oklahoma City ranks 21 in assists per game (22.678571428571427) while Chicago ranks 26 (21.633333333333333).
- Oklahoma City ranks first in steals per game (10.5) while Chicago ranks 24th in steals allowed per game (8.5).
- Oklahoma City is 5-0 when they allow under 100 points, while Chicago is 3-3.
- When reaching 100 points, the Bulls are 4-11 and the Thunder are 16-5.
- Oklahoma City is 8-6 ATS at home, while Chicago is 6-8-1 ATS on the road.
- The Bulls have 10 unders and 5 overs in 15 road games.
- In 14 home games, the Thunder have 8 overs and 6 unders.
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulls are 2-2-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Thunder are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Chicago has 4 unders and 1 over, while Oklahoma City has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Bulls\u2019 average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 14.8, up from 10.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Thunder have scored an average of 111.2 points per game (0.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 111.6 points per game (6.3 above their season average).
