The Chicago Bulls (17-45) will travel to State Farm Arena to meet the Atlanta Hawks (21-41). The Bulls opened as 3-point underdogs. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 230.5 points and it can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 1, 2019.
Chicago Bulls at Atlanta Hawks Betting Odds
Both teams covered in their last game. The Hawks (5-point underdogs) defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 131-123, while the Bulls (3-point underdog) beat the Memphis Grizzlies 109-107. The Atlanta game went 19 points over the projected point total of 235, while the Chicago game finished 0.5 points under the projected point total of 216.5.
The Bulls knocked down 23 of their 25 free throws (92.0 percent) and held the Grizzlies to an effective field goal percentage of 0.484 (below the 0.535 mark opponents have averaged against Chicago this season). The Hawks, meanwhile, had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 32.1 (above their season average of 24.9) and had a free throw rate of 0.250 (above their season average of 0.197). Atlanta’s Trae Young led the way, contributing 36 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. Zach LaVine, meanwhile was a key piece for Chicago with 30 points and five rebounds.
The Hawks had the upper hand in the most recent game, a 121-101 blowout victory, to even the season series at one. John Collins was the game’s leading scorer with 35 points. Atlanta had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.8 vs. 16.7). Chicago, meanwhile, did an excellent job of making free throws (23-27; 85.2 percent). The two teams combined to score 222 points, which was just under the projected point total of 225, and Atlanta covered as a 2-point underdog.
Matchups featuring the Bulls have typically gone under the total (56.5 percent). Chicago heads into the game with records of 17-45 straight up (SU) and 28-32-2 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Hawks’ 62 games, 34 have finished over the projected point total. Further, Atlanta is 21-41 SU and 29-33 ATS.
The Bulls’ Lauri Markkanen has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 25 points,12.8 rebounds,3.2 assists,1.2 steals per game. Meanwhile, Young has averaged 25 points,10.2 assists during that same time frame for the Hawks.
It will be a showdown of opposite styles as the up-tempo Hawks will look to push the more half-court-oriented Bulls. The Hawks rank third in possessions per game while the Bulls are 22nd.
Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Hawks, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Hawks rank 15th in blocks per game (5.2) while the Bulls rank 25th (4.5).
- Atlanta ranks seventh in second chance points per game (14.0) while Chicago ranks last (10.1).
- The Bulls rank ninth in steals allowed per game (7.3) while the Hawks rank 28th (10.3).
- Chicago ranks 13th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.5) while Atlanta ranks last (22.4).
- Atlanta ranks 13th in rebounds per game (45.3) while Chicago ranks 25th (42.2).
- The Bulls rank seventh in fast break points allowed per game (12.2) while the Hawks rank last (17.2).
- The Hawks rank 10th in assists per game (25.4) while the Bulls rank 27th (22.1).
- Atlanta ranks seventh in points in the paint per game (51.0) while Chicago ranks 12th in points allowed in the paint per game (47.8).
- Atlanta ranks sixth in three pointers attempted per game (35.0) while Chicago ranks 27th (26.7).
- Atlanta is 3-2 when they allow below 100 points, while Chicago is 8-5.
- When reaching the century mark, the Bulls are 13-27 and the Hawks are 20-33.
- Chicago is 16-13-2 ATS on the road, while Atlanta is 11-18 ATS at home.
- The total has gone under in 16 of the Bulls’ 31 road games, while 16 of the Hawks’ 29 home games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Chicago and Atlanta are both 4-1 ATS.
- The Bulls have 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games, while the Hawks have 3 unders and 2 overs
- The Bulls have outscored opponents by an average of 2.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Chicago has lost by an average of 7.9 points.
- During their last five games, the Hawks have scored an average of 115.0 points per game (3.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 117.0 points per game (1.3 below their season average).
