Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Prediction 02/09/19

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The Washington Wizards (23-32) and the Chicago Bulls (13-42) go head-to-head at United Center. The Bulls will attempt to put an end to a nine-game home losing streak. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.

Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls ATS Odds

Both teams covered as favorites in their last contest. The Bulls (1.5-point favorites) defeated the Brooklyn Nets 125-106, while the Wizards (12-point favorites) beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-106. The Chicago game finished 4.5 points over the projected point total of 226.5, while the Washington game finished 3.5 points under the projected point total of 228.5.

Washington’s 0.565 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Cleveland, who had a mark of 0.438. The Wizards’ mark was above their season average of 0.531, while the Cavaliers’ was below their season average of 0.496. Chicago, on the other hand, played a nearly flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.9 (above their season average of 18.1) and a free throw rate of 0.224 (above their season average of 0.179). For those same stats, Brooklyn had marks of 12.5 and 0.160, respectively. Chicago was lifted by Lauri Markkanen, who contributed 31 points and 18 rebounds. Bradley Beal, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Washington with 25 points, 13 assists and six rebounds.

In their first matchup this year, Wendell Carter Jr. led the Bulls to a 101-92 win. He registered a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Chicago covered as a 5-point underdog and the two teams combined to score 193 points, which was well under the projected point total of 212. One of Chicago’s biggest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They had 25 free throw attempts, while Washington had 18.

Vegas is known to set the total low when the Wizards are involved, as 59.3 percent of their contests have ended over the projected point total. Washington holds records of 23-32 straight up (SU) and 22-31-1 against the spread (ATS).

Unlike Washington, games featuring the Bulls tend to go under the total (59.3 percent). Further, Chicago owns records of 13-42 SU and 23-29-2 ATS.

The Wizards’ Jeff Green has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 20 points,3.2 assists,1.2 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Markkanen has averaged 23 points,13.2 rebounds during that same time frame for the Bulls.

This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the Chicago offense. Chicago ranks 22nd in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 13.9 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Washington forces the fourth-most turnovers in the NBA (15.3 percent).

Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls Pick

NBA Pick: SU Winner – Wizards, ATS Winner – Wizards, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Neither of these teams are great at rebounding the ball. The Bulls are 26th in the league with 41.9 rebounds per game while the Wizards are 28th with 40.9 rebounds per game.
  • Washington ranks seventh in assists per game (26.3) while Chicago ranks 27th (21.7).
  • The Wizards rank fifth in steals per game (8.8) while the Bulls rank 15th (7.7).
  • Washington ranks 21st in blocks per game (4.8) while Chicago ranks 25th (4.5).
  • Chicago averages 11.5 fast break points per game, which ranks 20th in the NBA. Washington ranks 23rd in fast break points allowed per game (14.6).
  • The Wizards rank fourth in points off turnovers per game (19.0) while the Bulls rank 22nd (15.1).
  • The Wizards rank 24th in second chance points per game (12.0) while the Bulls rank 28th (10.0).
  • Chicago averages 47.5 points in the paint per game, which ranks 18th in the league. Washington ranks 19th in points allowed in the paint per game (50.1).
  • Washington ranks ninth in three pointers attempted per game (33.3) while Chicago ranks 25th (26.8).
  • When allowing under 100 points, Washington is 8-0 and Chicago is 8-5.
  • The Wizards are 22-27 when they score over 100 points, while the Bulls are 9-25.
  • Washington is 7-21 ATS on the road, while Chicago is 10-16 ATS at home.
  • The total has gone under in 17 of the Bulls’ 26 home games, while 15 of the Wizards’ 28 road games have gone over.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Bulls are 2-3 ATS over their last five games, while the Wizards are 1-4.
  • In their last five games, Chicago has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Washington has 4 overs and 1 under.
  • The Bulls have outscored opponents by an average of 3.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Chicago has been defeated by an average of 8.7 points.
  • During their last five games, the Wizards have scored an average of 119.8 points per game (6.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 122.2 points per game (5.8 above their season average).