The Atlanta Hawks (6-26) head to United Center to go head-to-head against the Chicago Bulls (12-20). The Hawks are 7-point underdogs and look to put an end to their nine-game losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 225.5 points and it will air on NBC Sports Chicago at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 28, 2019.
Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls ATS Odds
Both teams did not cover as underdogs in their last matchup. The Bulls (5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Orlando Magic, 103-95, while the Hawks (2-point underdogs) fell to the Milwaukee Bucks, 112-86. The Chicago game finished 8 points under the projected point total of 206, while the Atlanta game went 34 points under the projected point total of 232.
Atlanta held Milwaukee to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.6 (below their season average of 21.8) while Chicago held Orlando to an offensive rebounding percentage of 14.3 (below their season average of 22.4). Zach LaVine had a good performance for Chicago with 26 points and eight rebounds. John Collins had a solid performance for Atlanta, recording nine points and 16 rebounds.
The Bulls have won both contests against the Hawks this season. In their most recent game, the two teams combined for 238 points, well over the projected point total of 221. Chicago won 136-102, covering as a 7-point favorite. Chicago had a much better turnover percentage (11.3 vs. 19.6). Atlanta, on the other hand, did a great job of making free throws (19-26; 73.1 percent). LaVine was the game’s leading scorer with 35 points.
Oddsmakers have a tendency to place the total low when the Hawks are involved, as 58.1 percent of their games have finished over the projected point total. Atlanta holds records of 6-26 straight up (SU) and 13-18 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Atlanta, Bulls games have finished under the total 53.1 percent of the time. Additionally, Chicago is 12-20 SU and 17-15 ATS.
The Hawks’ Kevin Huerter has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 13 points,3.4 assists,1.8 steals per game. Meanwhile, LaVine has averaged 28 points,3.4 assists,1.8 steals during that same time frame for the Bulls.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Chicago offense. Chicago ranks 19th in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.4 percent), while the disruptive defense of Atlanta forces the fourth-most turnovers in the league (14.9 percent).
Hawks at Bulls ATS Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Bulls, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Chicago averages 9.8 steals per game, which ranks first in the league. Atlanta ranks last in steals allowed per game (9.0).
- The Bulls rank 15th in points allowed in the paint per game (47.4) while the Hawks rank 28th (53.9).
- Chicago ranks 12th in second chance points allowed per game (12.8) while Atlanta ranks 25th (14.4).
- Chicago ranks 23rd in rebounds per game (43.7) while Atlanta ranks 29th (42.1).
- The Bulls average 21.6 points off turnovers per game, which ranks first in the NBA. The Hawks rank last in points off turnovers allowed per game (20.3).
- The Bulls average 14.3 fast break points per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. The Hawks rank 22nd in fast break points allowed per game (13.9).
- Atlanta averages 5.0 blocks per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. Chicago ranks 28th in blocks allowed per game (6.5).
- Atlanta is 2-0 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Chicago is 3-2.
- In games where they score over 100 points, the Bulls are 12-10 and the Hawks are 6-21.
- Chicago is 8-8 ATS at home, while Atlanta is 5-12 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 13 of the Hawks’ 17 road games, while 9 of the Bulls’ 16 home games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Atlanta and Chicago have both had 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Bulls are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Hawks are 2-3.
- The Bulls have outscored opponents by an average of 1.0 point in their last five games. On the season, Chicago has been defeated by an average of 1.6 points.
- During their last five games, the Hawks have scored an average of 108.4 points per game (0.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 121.8 points per game (3.4 above their season average).
