The Chicago Bulls (11-19) will be at Little Caesars Arena to challenge the Detroit Pistons (11-18) in a Central Division matchup. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 21, 2019, and will air on Fox Sports – Detroit.
Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons ATS Odds
The Bulls edged the Washington Wizards in their last contest, 110-109, despite being 1-point underdogs. The Pistons, meanwhile, were thoroughly outplayed by the Boston Celtics, 114-93, and were unable to cover as 2-point underdogs. Both games went 10.5 points under their projected point totals (229.5 for the Chicago game and 217.5 for the Detroit game).
Chicago’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Washington. The Bulls had a rate of 0.459 (below their season average of 0.499), while the Wizards posted a mark of 0.432 (below their season average of 0.543). Detroit, on the other hand, did a great job of making free throws (14-19; 73.7 percent). Detroit’s Andre Drummond had a good outing, recording 12 points, 11 rebounds and six steals. Chicago, meanwhile, received a boost from Lauri Markkanen, who recorded 31 points and nine rebounds.
In their two matchups this season, the Bulls have won both. In their most recent game, the two teams combined for 198 points, well under the projected point total of 222.5. Chicago won 109-89, covering as a 1-point underdog. Chicago’s 0.505 effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Detroit, who had a rate of 0.386. Shaquille Harrison recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Just over half of the Bulls’ games have finished under the total. Chicago heads into the contest with records of 11-19 straight up (SU) and 16-14 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Pistons’ 28 games with betting action, 15 have finished over the total. Moreover, Detroit owns records of 11-18 SU and 11-15-2 ATS.
This could end up being a mistake-prone game for the Detroit offense. Detroit ranks 28th in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 15.3 percent), while the disruptive defense of Chicago forces the most turnovers in the NBA (17.4 percent).
Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Bulls, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Pistons average 13.9 second chance points per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. The Bulls rank 12th in second chance points allowed per game (12.9).
- Chicago ranks first in points off turnovers per game (22.0) while Detroit ranks 25th (15.2).
- The Pistons rank 14th in blocks per game (4.9) while the Bulls rank 28th in blocks allowed per game (6.4).
- Chicago ranks 13th in points in the paint per game (47.3) while Detroit ranks 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (50.3).
- Chicago averages 14.4 fast break points per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Detroit ranks 17th in fast break points allowed per game (13.2).
- The Bulls rank first in steals per game (10.0) while the Pistons rank 24th (6.9).
- The Pistons rank third in three pointers allowed per game (31.2) while the Bulls rank 11th (32.8).
- Chicago ranks 19th in assists per game (23.3) while Detroit ranks 20th in assists allowed per game (24.9).
- Detroit ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (42.1) while Chicago ranks 27th (48.1).
- In games where they allow under 100 points, Chicago is 3-2 and Detroit is 4-0.
- The Pistons are 10-13 when they score over 100 points, while the Bulls are 11-10.
- Detroit is 7-8 ATS at home, while Chicago is 8-6 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 9 of the Pistons’ 15 home games, while 7 of the Bulls’ 14 road games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulls are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Pistons are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Chicago has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Detroit has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 106.8 points per game (1.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 101.8 points per game (5.6 below their season average).
- The Pistons’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 10.2, up from 1.5 for the season.
