The Chicago Bulls (0-1) welcome the Detroit Pistons (1-0) to United Center for their home opener. The game can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 20, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 215 points with Detroit set as a 3.5-point favorite.
Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Prediction
In the Pistons’ last game, they defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 103-100, but they were not able to cover as 6-point favorites. The total points for the game (203) came in under the O/U total of 213. The Pistons had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.2 vs. 13.5) and had a better turnover percentage (12.1 vs. 15.6). Andre Drummond had a solid performance for Detroit, contributing 24 points and 20 rebounds.
The Bulls lost big to the Philadelphia 76ers in their last matchup, 127-108. They failed to cover as 12-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (235) were over the projected point total of 221. Philadelphia made good use of their 30 trips to the charity stripe, converting on 27 of them (90.0 percent). Chicago, on the other hand, was 9-12 (75.0 percent). With 20 points and 11 rebounds, Chicago’s Bobby Portis put together a good performance.
Getting to the line might be few and far between for Chicago in this battle. Since the 2017-18 season, the Bulls rank 29th in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.163, while Detroit ranks second in FTA rate allowed (0.172).
The Pistons have had records of 40-43 straight up (SU) and 38-45 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Games involving Detroit have had a tendency to finish under the projected point total since last season (56.6 percent).
The Bulls, on the other hand, have records of 27-56 SU and 44-45 ATS since last season. Over that same period, Chicago’s games have had a tendency to go under the projected point total (57.3 percent).
The Pistons won three out of four games against the Bulls last season. In the most recent contest, Detroit won 119-87. The Pistons’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Bulls. Detroit had a rate of 10.5, while Chicago posted a mark of 16.1.
Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls Free Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Pistons, ATS Winner – Pistons, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
When holding opponents under 100 points, Detroit is 22-6 and Chicago is 8-6.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Bulls are 24-27 and the Pistons are 36-19.
Chicago ranks sixth in three pointers attempted per game (31.1) while Detroit ranks 26th in three pointers allowed per game (30.8).
The Bulls average 23.5 assists per game, which ranks 10th in the league. The Pistons rank 28th in assists allowed per game (25.2).
Detroit ranks 13th in points off turnovers per game (16.6) while Chicago ranks 27th (14.8).
The Pistons rank 13th in second chance points per game (12.7) while the Bulls rank 26th (11.1).
Detroit ranks 15th in rebounds per game (43.8) while Chicago ranks 26th in rebounds allowed per game (45.8).
The Pistons rank first in fast break points allowed per game (9.8) while the Bulls rank 10th (11.4).
Detroit ranks 18th in points in the paint per game (43.7) while Chicago ranks 26th (41.8).
The Pistons rank 18th in blocks allowed per game (4.9) while the Bulls rank 25th (5.2).
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