The Chicago Bulls (23-43) will be at home in United Center when they clash against the Los Angeles Clippers (36-29). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 224.5 points with Los Angeles set as a 5.5-point favorite. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, and it can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Chicago Bulls Odds Preview
In the Clippers’ last contest, they beat the Orlando Magic, 113-105. With 21 points and nine rebounds, Tobias Harris played well for Los Angeles. Los Angeles played a nearly flawless game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.308 (above their season average of 0.225) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (above their season average of 22.9). Orlando was 0.250 and 21.4, respectively, for those same stats.
The Bulls come in on a high note after beating the Atlanta Hawks in their last contest, 129-122. Chicago rallied around Bobby Portis, who had 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. The Bulls had an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 4.5 (better than their season average of 12.0) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.0 (above their season average of 19.9).
The high-octane offense of Los Angeles (seventh in the league with an offensive efficiency of 108.6) will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Chicago (26th in the NBA with a defensive efficiency of 109.1). The Clippers should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Of Los Angeles’ 65 games, 35 have finished over the projected point total, while 35 of Chicago’s 66 games have finished over the projected point total. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Clippers have a sizable advantage. They are 36-29 SU and 36-28-1 ATS, while the Bulls are 23-43 SU and 33-30-3 ATS.
DeAndre Jordan has been excellent recently for Los Angeles, averaging 18.8 rebounds, 14.0 points and 1.2 blocks over the last five games.
These teams have already met once this season. In that game, the two teams combined to score 216 points, just under the projected point total of 220.5. The Clippers won 113-103, covering as 8-point favorites. Los Angeles did an excellent job of getting and making free throws (24-28; 85.7 percent). Chicago, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (9.4 vs. 11.5). Danilo Gallinari had a stellar game, with 24 points and nine rebounds.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Chicago Bulls Prediction
Prediction: SU Winner – Clippers, ATS Winner – Clippers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Clippers rank 11th in rebounds per game (44.0) while the Bulls rank 28th in rebounds allowed per game (45.6).
- Chicago ranks seventh in three pointers attempted per game (30.7) while Los Angeles ranks 21st in three pointers allowed per game (30.2).
- Chicago ranks fifth in second chance points allowed per game (11.2) while Los Angeles ranks 21st (13.1).
- Chicago averages 23.5 assists per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 21st in assists allowed per game (24.2).
- Los Angeles is 20-10-1 ATS on the road, while Chicago is 17-14-2 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 16 of the Clippers’ 31 road games, while 18 of the Bulls’ 33 home games have gone under.
- In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Los Angeles is 11-2 and Chicago is 6-6.
- The Clippers are 34-19 when they score over 100 points, while the Bulls are 21-20.
- The Clippers rank 14th in blocks per game (4.8) while the Bulls rank 29th (3.7).
- Los Angeles ranks third in points in the paint per game (50.9) while Chicago ranks 26th (41.4).
- The Bulls rank fifth in steals allowed per game (7.0) while the Clippers rank 25th (8.4).
- The Clippers rank 15th in points off turnovers per game (16.5) while the Bulls rank 26th (14.9).
- Chicago ranks 13th in fast break points allowed per game (11.5) while Los Angeles ranks last (15.1).
Bettings Trends:
- Chicago is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Los Angeles is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.6, down from 6.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Clippers have scored an average of 119.2 points per game (9.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 110.6 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
