Chicago Bulls vs Houston Rockets Preview
The Rockets and Bulls are set to face off at 8:00 ET on NBCS. The Bulls will host the game at United Center in Chicago, IL.
The over/under for this game is set at 216.5 points, and the Bulls are the home favorites against the Rockets in a non-conference matchup. Check out BetCoco for Chicago Bulls – Houston Rockets odds
Chicago Bulls vs Houston Rockets Head-to-Head and Key Stats
The last ten head-to-head matchups between then Rockets and Bulls have gone in favor of the Rockets, putting together a record of 6-4. When looking at the last three head-to-head matchups between the Rockets and Bulls, only 3 points per game has separated the teams, with the Bulls going 2-1 vs. the spread.
- In their last ten games away from home, the Rockets have a straight up record of 3-7 while going 4-5-1 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 113 points per game in these contests.
- Across the Bulls last five home games, the team averaged 108 points per game while allowing 112. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 2-2-1, while going 2-3 straight-up.
- Looking back on the team’s last three games as the underdog, the Rockets have a straight up record of 1-2. Their record vs the spread in these games was 1-2.
- The Bulls have played well in their last three games as the betting favorite, going 3-0 straight up and 2-0-1 against the spread.
Chicago Bulls vs Houston Rockets Prediction
Heading into today’s game, the Rockets are 18-17 overall and are 4th in the Southwest Division. In the Western Conference, they are 8th.
When playing on the road, the Rockets are 3-11 and have an average scoring margin of -5.4 points per game. Against the spread on the road, they are 6-7.
At home, the Rockets are 15-6 and have an average scoring margin of +7.5 points per game. Against the spread at home, they are 15-6.
In their 35 games this season, the Rockets have been the underdog in 24 of them. Overall, they are 9-15 straight up as the underdog and 12-11 against the spread. Their average scoring margin as the underdog is -1.2 points per game.
Coming into today’s game, the Rockets have lost two straight games as the underdog. In their last game, they lost to the Heat, 120-113. The Rockets were 4-point underdogs and failed to cover the spread by seven points.
Heading into their matchup with the Bulls, the Rockets are averaging 112.5 points per game, which is 24th in the NBA. On the road, they are scoring 110.6 points per game.
So far this season, Houston has outscored the NBA scoring average in 40% of their games. In terms of pace, they are 22nd in the league at 98.1 possessions per game.
When it comes to shooting, the Rockets are 24th in field goal percentage at 46%. In terms of two-point shooting, they are 27th in the league at 52%.
On defense, the Rockets come into the game ranked 2nd in the league in points allowed at 110.2 per game. Over their last three games, the team is allowing 116.7 points per contest (3rd). The Houston defense has allowed opponents to shoot 32.8% from beyond the arc this season. Opposing teams are also hitting 45.3% of their field goal attempts vs. Houston.
At 17-21, the Bulls are 9th in the Eastern Conference and 4th in the Central Division. They are currently on a two-game winning streak and are 4-point favorites at home against the Rockets.
Chicago has been the favorite in 15 of their 38 games and has a record of 9-6 in those games. Their average scoring margin as the favorite is +2.7 points per game. Against the spread, they are 7-7 when favored.
When playing at home, the Bulls have an average scoring margin of +1.8 points per game. They have a home record of 12-9 and are 2-0 ATS in their last two home games.
In non-conference games, Chicago is 5-6 compared to 12-15 against other Eastern Conference teams.
So far, the Bulls’ over/under record for the season is 18-19-1. Their games have averaged a combined 220.9 points per game and have an average over/under line of 221.4.
Out of their 38 games, 29 have had higher over/under lines than today’s line of 216.5. In those games, the Bulls have an over/under record of 14-14-1. This season, their games with lower over/under lines than 216.5 are 4-4.
Chicago comes into this game ranked 28th in scoring at 109.4 points per game. They have scored below the NBA average in 71.1% of their games this season. In terms of pace, the Bulls are last in the league at 96.2 possessions per game.
When it comes to shooting, Chicago is 27th in field goal percentage at 45%. They are also 22nd in three-point shooting at 35%. Overall, the Bulls are 28th in true shooting percentage.
One area where the Bulls have been successful is on the offensive glass, as they are 7th in offensive rebounds. In terms of assists, they are 29th in the NBA at 23.6 per game.
Currently, the Bulls’ defense holds the 6th rank in the NBA, allowing 111.5 points per game. In terms of two point field goal attempts, the Bulls defense has allowed a shooting percentage of 55.1% while allowing 36.6% from downtown.
Even though they are considered 4-point underdogs, our projection points to a 119-105 win for the Rockets.
Chicago Bulls vs Houston Rockets Betting Tips
- We like the Rockets on the moneyline (+146)
- The Rockets are also our pick on the spread at +4
- Projecting a combined 224 points, we like the over
Chicago Bulls Injury Report
- Zach LaVine – Foot – Probable
- Alex Caruso – Neck – Probable
- Lonzo Ball – Knee – Out
- Torrey Craig – Right Foot – Out
- Patrick Williams – Ankle – Probable
Houston Rockets Injury Report
- Victor Oladipo – Knee – Out
- Dillon Brooks – Abdomen – Out
- Tari Eason – Leg – Out
