Chicago Bulls vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Free Prediction 12/16/19

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The Chicago Bulls (10-18) will travel to Chesapeake Energy Arena to challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder (11-14). The Bulls opened as 5.5-point underdogs. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 207 points and it will air on NBC Sports Chicago at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, December 16, 2019.

Chicago Bulls at Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Odds

The Bulls come in on a high note after narrowly defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in their last contest, 109-106, as 3.5-point underdogs. The Thunder, meanwhile, were beaten by the Denver Nuggets, 110-102, and were unable to cover as 5.5-point underdogs. Both games went over their projected point totals. The Chicago game finished 0.5 points over the projected point total of 214.5, while the Oklahoma City game went 8 points over the projected point total of 204.

The Bulls, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.5, had a great mark of 27.3 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.553 (above their season average of 0.495). Oklahoma City, on the other hand, did a great job of converting from the charity stripe (20-23; 87.0 percent). Steven Adams played well for Oklahoma City with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Chicago, meanwhile, received a boost from Lauri Markkanen, who finished with 13 points and 17 rebounds.

This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Thunder won the most recent contest 121-96. Oklahoma City was effective at getting and making free throws. The Thunder made 27 of their 33 free throws (81.8 percent), while the Bulls were 12-16 (75.0 percent). This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.

Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Bulls games, with 15 unders compared to 13 overs. Chicago holds records of 10-18 straight up (SU) and 14-14 against the spread (ATS).

Vegas tends to set the total high when the Thunder are involved, as 60.0 percent of their games have ended under the O/U total. Additionally, Oklahoma City is 11-14 SU and 15-9-1 ATS.

The Bulls’ Markkanen has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 17 points,5.2 rebounds,1.2 steals per game. Meanwhile, Chris Paul has averaged 16 points,7.6 assists,1.2 steals during that same time frame for the Thunder.

The aggressive Oklahoma City offense looks poised to dominate from the free throw line. The Thunder rank fourth in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.231, while Chicago is among the NBA’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 30th-ranked FTA rate of 0.247).

Bulls vs. Thunder Free Pick

NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Thunder rank fifth in assists allowed per game (22.2) while the Bulls rank 14th (24.0).
  • Chicago ranks first in points off turnovers per game (21.4) while Oklahoma City ranks 24th (15.4).
  • The Bulls rank ninth in second chance points per game (13.8) while the Thunder rank last (9.8).
  • Chicago ranks first in steals per game (9.7) while Oklahoma City ranks 21st (7.4).
  • Oklahoma City ranks 13th in rebounds allowed per game (45.4) while Chicago ranks 28th (48.1).
  • The Bulls rank seventh in fast break points per game (14.7) while the Thunder rank last (8.8).
  • The Bulls rank 10th in three pointers attempted per game (35.3) while the Thunder rank 25th (29.4).
  • Chicago ranks 15th in points in the paint per game (47.0) while Oklahoma City ranks 19th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.8).
  • Oklahoma City ranks sixth in blocks allowed per game (4.4) while Chicago ranks 27th (6.4).
  • Chicago is 3-2 when they allow below 100 points, while Oklahoma City is 5-3.
  • In games where they reach 100 points, the Bulls are 10-9 and the Thunder are 11-8.
  • Oklahoma City is 7-4-1 ATS at home, while Chicago is 6-6 ATS on the road.
  • The total has gone over in 6 of the Bulls’ 12 road games, while 7 of the Thunder’s 12 home games have gone under.

Bettings Trends:

  • In their last five games, Chicago and Oklahoma City are both 4-1 ATS.
  • The Bulls have 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games, while the Thunder have 3 unders and 2 overs
  • During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 103.0 points per game (2.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 98.8 points per game (8.5 below their season average).
  • The Thunder’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.8, up from 0.2 for the season.