The Chicago Bulls (10-32) and the Utah Jazz (22-21) battle at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Bulls are 11.5-point underdogs and will try to snap their six-game losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 206 points and it will air on NBC Sports Chicago at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Chicago Bulls at Utah Jazz ATS Odds
The Jazz won big over the Los Angeles Lakers in their last contest, 113-95, comfortably covering as 9.5-point favorites. The Bulls, on the other hand, were thoroughly outplayed by the Golden State Warriors, 146-109, and were not able to cover as 9.5-point underdogs. Both games went over their projected point totals. The Utah game went 0.5 points over the projected point total of 207.5, while the Chicago game went 45.5 points over the projected point total of 209.5.
Utah played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.229 (above their season average of 0.215) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.474 (below their season average of 0.529). For those same stats, Los Angeles recorded marks of 0.155 and 0.383, respectively. Chicago, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (30-34; 88.2 percent). Donovan Mitchell fueled Utah with 33 points and nine assists. Zach LaVine, meanwhile played well for Chicago, finishing with 29 points.
This series was highly competitive last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the most recent contest, the Bulls won 103-100. Chicago’s 0.151 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Utah, who had a rate of 0.077. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Of the Bulls’ 41 games that accepted bets, 26 have finished under the total. Chicago comes into the contest with records of 10-32 straight up (SU) and 19-21-1 against the spread (ATS).
Vegas has been spot on when setting the O/U total of Jazz games, with an even split between overs and unders. Moreover, Utah owns records of 22-21 SU and 21-20-1 ATS.
Mitchell has really been playing well as of late for Utah, averaging 24 points,4.2 assists,1.2 steals over the last five games.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the league’s slowest-paced teams face off. Utah ranks 21st in possessions per game (101.5) and Chicago is 23rd (101.2). Moreover, the Bulls rank 30th in offensive efficiency (99.6), while the Jazz rank fifth in defensive efficiency (103.5).
Bulls vs. Jazz Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Jazz, ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Bulls rank 17th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.1) while the Jazz rank 25th (17.7).
- Utah ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (42.8) while Chicago ranks 27th (47.4).
- The Jazz rank 11th in blocks allowed per game (4.7) while the Bulls rank 25th (5.9).
- Utah ranks 17th in second chance points per game (13.1) while Chicago ranks last (9.2).
- Utah ranks third in fast break points allowed per game (11.0) while Chicago ranks 12th (13.4).
- The Jazz rank second in three pointers allowed per game (27.3) while the Bulls rank 23rd (32.8).
- The Bulls rank 14th in steals allowed per game (7.8) while the Jazz rank 25th (8.7).
- Utah ranks first in assists allowed per game (20.7) while Chicago ranks 20th (24.7).
- In games where they allow below 100 points, Chicago is 6-5 and Utah is 12-3.
- The Bulls are 6-15 when they reach the century mark, while the Jazz are 20-11.
- Utah is 10-7 ATS at home, while Chicago is 9-10-1 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone under in 12 of the Bulls’ 20 road games, while 9 of the Jazz’s 17 home games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Chicago and Utah have both had 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Jazz are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Bulls are 2-3.
- The Jazz’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.0, up from 2.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 104.2 points per game (3.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 123.6 points per game (12.6 above their season average).
