The Chicago Bulls (5-10) travel to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder (10-4) on Wednesday, November 22nd. This game will be played at Paycom Center in Paycom Center and televised on NBCS. The Thunder are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Bulls are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Trail Blazers. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.
Bulls vs Thunder
The Bulls Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Chicago’s most recently played the Heat and lost with a final score of 118-100. The Bulls managed to secure te win, even though they were behind at halftime 65-53.
So far this season, the Bulls has a record of 5-10, as they look to get closer to the .500 mark vs. the Thunder. The team is currently 12th in the Eastern Conference, and they are also 4th in the Central division.
Chicago comes in with an overall ATS record of 6-9 so far this season. As the favorite this season, Chicago is 2-6 vs. the spread while going 4-3 as the underdog.
The Thunder Are Coming Off A Win
In their last game, the Thunder defeated the Trail Blazers with a final score of 134-91. As the second half got underway, the Thunder were leading by a score of 76-43.
Coming into today’s matchup, the Thunder is focused on adding to their five game winning streak, with an overall record of 10-4. At this time, the team’s rank is 3rd in the Western Conference, and they are also 3rd in the Northwest division.
Oklahoma City comes in with an overall ATS record of 11-3 so far this season. Oklahoma City has covered the spread in four straight road games and are 6-1 ATS on the road compared to 5-2 at home.
Bulls Offense Breakdown
Chicago has recorded an average of 106.7 points per game (29th) throughout 15 games games. Coming into today’s game, the Bulls will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 11.3 made 3’s per game. If the Chicago offense is going to improve, they must continue to do a good job avoiding turnovers. Currently, the unit is 1st in fewest turnovers per game.
Thunder Offense Breakdown
The Thunder come into today’s game as one of the better scoring teams in the NBA at 119.6 points per game (6th). In terms of pace, the Thunder are one of the top units in the NBA, averaging 100.7 possessions per game. Not only is the team playing at an up-tempo pace, but they have been able to pair this style with one of the better field goal percentages in the NBA at 50%.
Bulls Team Defense
The Bulls’ defense is presently ranked 10th in the league, allowing an average of 111.0 points per contest.
So far this season, the Bulls’ defense has struggled with fouls, averaging 13th in fouls per contest. On average, opponents are getting to the line 22.8 times per game vs. Chicago.
Thunder Team Defense
Coming into the game, the Thunder defense has held opposing team’s to fewer points than the league average in 35.7% of their games. Currently, they are 9th in the NBA at 110.8 points per game allowed.
On two point field goal attempts, the Thunder’s defensive unit is allowing a field goal percentage of 50.6% and allowing 34.2% from beyond the arc.
Key Players For The Bulls And Thunder
Our projections for today’s game indicate that DeMar DeRozan will be the primary scorer for the Bulls, with 17 points and going 6/13 from the field. Throughout this season, his average stands at 21 points per game, along with 3.2 rebounds.
As for Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is projected to be the primary scorer for the Thunder. Our forecast has him finishing the game with 20, and adding 4 rebounds. This season, he is shooting at a field goal percentage of 53.5%, and his scoring average is 29.6 points per game.
Bulls vs Thunder Trends
- In their last three games away from home, the Bulls have a straight up record of 0-3 while going 1-2 vs. the spread. The team averaged 105 points per game in this stretch.
- Across their last three home contests, Oklahoma City has been good against the spread posting a mark of 3-0. Their overall mark in these games was 3-0, while averaging 130 points per game.
- The last ten games that Chicago was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 6-4 while going 4-6 straight up.
- Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the favorite, the Thunder have a straight up record of 7-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 7-3.
Bulls vs Thunder Prediction
Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +7, the Bulls is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 224.5, and our model projects the Bulls and Thunder to reach a combined total of 219 points. Our bet is on taking the under.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:November 22, 2023 Bulls, Thunder, Uncategorized