The Oklahoma City Thunder (6-7) will be at home in Chesapeake Energy Arena when they clash with the Chicago Bulls (2-9). Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, and it can be seen on Fox SportsNet Oklahoma.
Chicago Bulls vs. Oklahoma City Thunder ATS Preview
The Bulls got blown out by the San Antonio Spurs in their last contest, 133-94. Bobby Portis had a solid game for Chicago, putting up 17 points and six rebounds. San Antonio’s 25.8 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Chicago, who had a mark of 12.2. The Spurs’ mark was above their season average of 25.5, while the Bulls’ was below their season average of 22.2.
The last time the Thunder played, they defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 112-99. With 37 points on 12-for-22 shooting, Paul George was the game’s high scorer. Oklahoma City played a nearly perfect game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.347 (above their season average of 0.172) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.604 (above their season average of 0.511). For those same stats, Dallas had marks of 0.161 and 0.489, respectively.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the league’s slowest-paced teams square off. Oklahoma City ranks 23rd in possessions per game (99.0) and Chicago is 25th (98.5). Furthermore, the Bulls rank 30th in offensive efficiency (95.1), while the Thunder rank second in defensive efficiency (99.4).
Both of these teams have typically gone under the projected point total. Chicago games have finished under 63.6 percent of the time, while 69.2 percent of games featuring Oklahoma City have finished under. The Thunder have the significant advantage straight up (SU) (6-7 vs. 2-9), but both teams have comparable against the spread (ATS) records. Oklahoma City is 6-7, while Chicago is 5-5-1 ATS.
George has really been playing well over the last five games for Oklahoma City, averaging 23.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined to put up 170 points in that game, which was well under the projected point total of 203. The Thunder won 101-69, covering as 8.5-point underdogs. The Thunder played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 10.5 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.517. For those same stats, the Bulls had marks of 18.0 and 0.346, respectively. Russell Westbrook played a huge role in the victory, recording a triple-double with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists.
Chicago Bulls vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Thunder rank fifth in blocks per game (5.7) while the Bulls rank 26th (3.7).
- Chicago ranks seventh in rebounds per game (45.7) while Oklahoma City ranks 15th in rebounds allowed per game (43.2).
- Oklahoma City ranks fifth in fast break points per game (13.8) while Chicago ranks 26th (6.6).
- On the road, Chicago is 4-2 ATS with 4 overs and 2 unders.
- At home, Oklahoma City is 4-2 ATS with 3 overs and 3 unders.
- In games where they allow below 100 points, Chicago is 2-3 and Oklahoma City is 5-2.
- In games where they reach the century mark, the Bulls are 1-3 and the Thunder are 6-2.
- The Thunder rank fifth in three pointers attempted per game (31.7) while the Bulls rank 18th in three pointers allowed per game (29.0).
- Oklahoma City ranks first in points off turnovers per game (21.2) while Chicago ranks 25th (14.2).
- The Thunder rank fifth in assists allowed per game (20.3) while the Bulls rank 28th (25.3).
- The Thunder rank 24th in points in the paint per game (40.3) while the Bulls rank 28th (37.8).
- Oklahoma City ranks first in steals per game (10.7) while Chicago ranks 23rd (7.3).
Bettings Trends:
- Oklahoma City is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Chicago is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Thunder’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.4, down from 5.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 98.0 points per game (4.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 107.2 points per game (3.3 above their season average).