Houston Rockets vs. Chicago Bulls Prediction, Preview, and Odds
The Houston Rockets (18-17, 21-13-1 ATS, 150-20-9 O/U) clash with the Chicago Bulls (17-21, 19-18-1 ATS, 18-19-1 O/U) in an inter-conference showdown on Wednesday evening. The Rockets were dealt a road loss by the Heat on Monday. The Bulls collected a road win against the Hornets. Each squad recorded one win in last year’s two meetings.
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Rockets Continue Road Trek
The Houston Rockets continue a challenging road trek on Wednesday. Houston is an improved squad and has won three of their last five decisions. This includes wins against the Nets and a home win against the Bucks on Saturday. They were 4.5-point dogs in a 120-113 road loss to the Heat on Monday night. The Rockets have covered the spread in three of their last five games.
Alperen Sengun is an outstanding young player. The 21-year-old center has reached 20 points in four of five games this month and is averaging 24 points in January. He has delivered an average of 21.5 PPG and 9 RPG on the season. Jalen Green has been slumping recently, shooting below 45% in four of his last five games. The 21-year-old shooting guard has posted an average of 17.3 PPG on only 40% shooting. Fred VanVleet has scored 15 or fewer points in three of his last five bouts but scored 32 on Monday. The veteran point guard is having an inconsistent season and is averaging 17.5 PPG.
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 9, 2024
The Rockets are 2-3 in their last five road decisions, covering the spread on two occasions in that span. Houston is scoring an average of 112.5 points on the season, marking them 24th. They rely on defense and have conceded 113 or fewer points in three of their last five bouts. They are holding opponents to 110.2 points, good for second in the NBA.
Bulls Seek Third Straight Win
The Chicago Bulls are targeting a third consecutive win. Chicago has been hit or miss recently. They had just lost two in a row, losing to the 76ers and Knicks but have rebounded by defeating a poor Hornets squad in two straight games. They beat them by a 104-91 score on Friday and were seven-point favorites in a 119-112 overtime road win in the rematch on Monday. The Bulls have covered the spread in three of their last five bouts.
DeMar DeRozan has cooled down recently, scoring 18 or fewer points in three of his last four games. The veteran small forward has been reliable most of the season, recording an average of 21.1 PPG on 47% shooting. Zach LaVine made his return to action on Friday after missing over a month. The shooting guard scored just nine points on Monday and has issued an average of 20.1 PPG on the year. Coby White is in a groove, surpassing 20 points in three consecutive games. The 23-year-old point guard has increased his season average to 18.2 PPG.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 9, 2024
Chicago is 3-2 in their last five home games, including a win against the 76ers. They covered the spread in three games in that span. Chicago has scored 105 or fewer points in four of its last five games and is averaging 109.4 points on the season, pegging them 28th. They are conceding an average of only 111.5 points, placing them sixth.
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Best Bets for this Game
Full-Game Side Bet
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The Houston Rockets are a solid 3-2 in their last five games. This includes wins against the Nets and the Bucks. The Chicago Bulls are also 3-2 in their last five games but two of them were against a Hornets squad that only has eight wins. Chicago needed OT to beat the Hornets on Monday.
Prediction: Houston Rockets +3
Full-Game Total Pick
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I expect scoring to be at a premium. Houston has only averaged 113 points in their last five games and when they win games it’s usually led by the defense. The Bulls are 28th in shooting % and the Rockets have a stifling defense that ranks fourth in field goal defense.
In addition, the Bulls have only averaged 105 points in their last five games and this includes the OT game. Their defense is their top strength. The Bulls have conceded 110 or fewer points in three of their last five games for an average of only 104.2 points conceded in that span. The under has been the reliable play, delivering in eight of their last ten bouts.
Prediction: Under 216
Adam has been a sports fanatic his entire life, closely following hockey, baseball, basketball, and football. He enjoys analyzing various stats, as well as studying Sabermetrics and analytics to take his picks to a whole new level. Adam has a passion for writing about various sports as well as personal finance and being an expert sports bettor. Prior to bringing his talents here to Winners and Whiners, Adam graduated with a diploma in business marketing and business finance. You would do yourself a huge favor by following Adam on a daily basis.
