Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards Free Prediction 12/18/19

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The Chicago Bulls (10-19), 1-point underdogs, will travel to Capital One Arena to challenge the Washington Wizards (8-17). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 230.5 points and it can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 18, 2019.

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards Betting Odds

In their last outing, the Wizards (2.5-point underdogs) covered in a 133-119 win over the Detroit Pistons. The Bulls were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 109-106, but did cover as 5-point underdogs. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Washington game finished 19.5 points over the projected point total of 232.5, while the Chicago game went 7 points over the projected point total of 208.

Washington’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Detroit. The Wizards had a rate of 0.659 (above their season average of 0.538), while the Pistons posted a mark of 0.552. Chicago, meanwhile, forced Oklahoma City into a turnover percentage of 24.2 (above their season average of 12.5). Bradley Beal fueled Washington with 35 points and 10 assists. Meanwhile, Zach LaVine had a good outing for Chicago, contributing 39 points.

The Bulls captured this series last year, securing victories in three out of four games. In the most recent contest, Chicago won 115-114. Chicago had a better offensive rebounding percentage (23.1 vs. 18.4). Washington, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (10.0 vs. 17.0). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.

Of the Bulls’ 29 games, 15 have finished under the O/U total. Chicago holds records of 10-19 straight up (SU) and 15-14 against the spread (ATS).

Vegas tends to place the total low when the Wizards are involved, as 14 of their 29 games have gone over the O/U total. Although Washington struggles winning games outright (8-17 SU), they have a solid record ATS (14-11).

The Bulls’ LaVine has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 23 points,6.2 rebounds,3.4 assists,1.4 steals per game. Meanwhile, Ish Smith has averaged 15 points,5.8 assists during that same time frame for the Wizards.

The elite offense of Washington (fifth in the league with an effective field goal percentage 0.543) will square off against the mid-tier defense of Chicago (15th in effective field goal percentage allowed 0.518). The Wizards should have the edge on that end of the court.

Bulls at Wizards Pick

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

Betting Notes:

  • The Wizards rank 24th in blocks allowed per game (5.7) while the Bulls rank 28th (6.4).
  • Chicago ranks first in steals per game (10.0) while Washington ranks 20th (7.4).
  • The Bulls rank 14th in points in the paint per game (47.4) while the Wizards rank 28th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.2).
  • Washington ranks fourth in points off turnovers (19.0 per game) while Chicago ranks 18th in points off turnovers allowed (17.7 per game).
  • Chicago ranks 24th in rebounds per game (43.2) while Washington ranks last (41.1).
  • The Bulls rank eighth in second chance points allowed per game (12.4) while the Wizards rank 26th (14.5).
  • The Bulls rank seventh in fast break points per game (14.7) while the Wizards rank 16th in fast break points allowed per game (13.2).
  • Chicago averages 35.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. Washington ranks 14th in three pointers allowed per game (33.3).
  • Washington ranks second in assists per game (28.1) while Chicago ranks 20th (23.2).
  • Washington is 2-0 when they allow less than 100 points, while Chicago is 3-2.
  • The Bulls are 10-10 when they reach 100 points, while the Wizards are 7-17.
  • Washington is 5-5 ATS at home, while Chicago is 7-6 ATS on the road.
  • The total has gone over in 6 of the Wizards’ 10 home games, while 7 of the Bulls’ 13 road games have gone over.

Bettings Trends:

  • In their last five games, Chicago and Washington have both had 3 overs and 2 unders.
  • The Bulls are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Wizards are 2-3.
  • The Bulls have outscored opponents by an average of 4.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Chicago has been defeated by an average of 1.9 points.
  • During their last five games, the Wizards have scored an average of 114.6 points per game (3.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 121.6 points per game (0.6 below their season average).