NFL Pickwatch - Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls Player Props, Picks and Predictions

Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 11/17/2024 7:00 PM EST

We have your Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Houston Rockets hit the road to face the Chicago Bulls.

Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Houston Rockets -182 (BetRivers) / Chicago Bulls +165 (ESPN BET)
Best Spread Odds: 4.5 - Houston Rockets -109 (BetRivers) / Chicago Bulls -110 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 234.0 - Under -110 (bet365) / 233.5 - Over -110 (FanDuel)

Game Info

Date: 11/17/2024
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: United Center (Chicago, IL)
TV: CHSN

Houston Rockets Betting Trends

On the road, the Houston Rockets have 3 wins and 2 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Houston Rockets have 7 wins and 3 losses this season.
This season, the Houston Rockets have hit 5 overs, 7 unders and pushed 1 times.

Chicago Bulls Betting Trends

At home, the Chicago Bulls have 1 wins and 4 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Chicago Bulls have 5 wins and 7 losses this season.
This season, the Chicago Bulls have hit 8 overs and 5 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past three seasons, the Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls have faced off four times, with each team securing two victories. The games have been evenly split between home and away wins, with the visiting team winning twice and the home team also winning twice. In terms of betting outcomes, both teams have covered the spread in two games each. Notably, all four matchups have resulted in the total score going over the set over-under line, indicating high-scoring affairs. The games have consistently featured competitive play, with both teams showing the ability to win both at home and on the road.

The most recent encounter between these two teams took place on March 21, 2024, where the Houston Rockets emerged victorious over the Chicago Bulls with a final score of 127-117. The Rockets, playing at home, were the favorites with a point spread of -3.5 and successfully covered the spread with a 10-point margin. The game saw a standout performance from Ayo Dosunmu of the Bulls, who scored 35 points, including a notable 25-foot three-pointer in the third quarter. For the Rockets, Dillon Brooks led the scoring with 23 points, while Jalen Green contributed significantly with 26 points. The Rockets shot 50.5% from the field and made 17 three-pointers, while the Bulls shot 45.2% and made 12 three-pointers. The Rockets also had a significant advantage in fast break points and maintained the largest lead of the game at 19 points.

In the previous matchups, the teams have shown varied performances. On January 10, 2024, the Bulls won a closely contested game at home, 124-119, in overtime, covering the spread as favorites. Earlier, on March 11, 2023, the Bulls also secured a win on the road, defeating the Rockets 119-111, covering the spread as underdogs. Conversely, on December 26, 2022, the Rockets won convincingly on the road against the Bulls, 133-118, covering the spread as underdogs. These games have highlighted the competitive nature of the matchups, with both teams capable of winning in different scenarios and consistently producing high-scoring games.

Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls Preview

The Houston Rockets are set to face the Chicago Bulls in what promises to be an intriguing matchup at the United Center. The Rockets, riding a four-game winning streak, have been impressive both offensively and defensively, boasting a 9-4 record. They have shown resilience on the road with a 3-2 record, and their recent performances suggest they are capable of extending their winning ways. Key to their success has been the dynamic play of Jabari Smith Jr., who recently broke out of a shooting slump with a 28-point performance against the Los Angeles Clippers. His ability to contribute across the board, alongside Alperen Sengun's triple-double prowess, has been instrumental in the Rockets' recent surge.

On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls have had a challenging start to the season, currently holding a 5-8 record. Despite their struggles, the Bulls have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their ball movement and three-point shooting. They have consistently recorded high assist numbers, with players like Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams stepping up in distribution roles. However, the absence of Lonzo Ball due to injury has been a setback, forcing the team to rely more heavily on their depth.

Historically, the matchups between these two teams have been high-scoring affairs, with both sides capable of lighting up the scoreboard. The Rockets' offensive efficiency, ranked fifth in net rating, will be tested against a Bulls team that has been inconsistent defensively. The Bulls will look to leverage their home-court advantage, although they have struggled at the United Center this season with a 1-4 record. As both teams aim to assert their dominance, the game is poised to be a competitive and potentially high-scoring encounter, reflective of their recent head-to-head history.

Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls Pick: Total Points Over

The upcoming matchup between the Houston Rockets and the Chicago Bulls is shaping up to be a high-scoring affair, making the over on the total points a compelling pick. Historically, games between these two teams have consistently exceeded the set over-under line, with all four of their past encounters resulting in the total score going over. This trend is indicative of the offensive firepower both teams bring to the court.

The Rockets, currently riding a four-game winning streak, have been particularly potent on offense. Their recent victory over the Los Angeles Clippers saw them score 125 points, with Jabari Smith Jr. breaking out of a shooting slump to contribute 28 points. The Rockets' ability to distribute the ball effectively, as evidenced by their 31 assists on 46 made field goals in that game, highlights their offensive efficiency. Alperen Sengun's triple-double performance further underscores their capability to generate points from multiple positions.

On the other side, the Bulls have shown they can keep pace in high-scoring games. Despite their struggles this season, they have demonstrated an ability to move the ball well, recording 32 assists in their recent game against the Cavaliers. Players like Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams have been instrumental in maintaining this offensive rhythm, contributing significantly to the team's assist totals. The Bulls' proficiency from beyond the arc, as shown by their 20-for-42 shooting from deep against Cleveland, adds another layer to their scoring potential.

Given these factors, along with the Rockets' fifth-ranked net rating and the Bulls' tendency to engage in high-scoring contests, the over on the total points is a strong pick. Both teams have the offensive capabilities to push the score beyond the set line, making this matchup one to watch for those favoring a high-scoring game.

Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls Top Player Prop Picks

Jabari Smith Over 1.5 Assists +130 (BetMGM)

Jabari Smith Jr. has been a key contributor for the Houston Rockets, especially in their recent surge. His ability to distribute the ball effectively was evident in the Rockets' recent victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, where the team collectively dished out 31 assists. Smith's recent breakout performance, where he scored 28 points, also included contributions across the board, highlighting his all-around game. With the Rockets' offense firing on all cylinders and Smith's confidence growing, taking the over on 1.5 assists at +130 odds presents a valuable opportunity. The Rockets' offensive efficiency, ranked fifth in net rating, further supports the likelihood of Smith surpassing this assist line.

Zach LaVine Over 4.5 Rebounds -120 (BetMGM)

Zach LaVine has been a consistent performer for the Chicago Bulls, and his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game makes the over on 4.5 rebounds an appealing pick. LaVine's recent performances have shown his capability to step up in the absence of Lonzo Ball, particularly in the distribution and rebounding departments. In the Bulls' recent game against the Cavaliers, LaVine contributed significantly with nine assists, showcasing his involvement in the team's overall play. Given the Bulls' need to compensate for Ball's absence and LaVine's increased role, he is well-positioned to exceed the 4.5 rebounds line, especially against a Rockets team that has been strong on the offensive glass.

Alperen Sengun Over 10.5 Rebounds -105 (BetMGM)

Alperen Sengun has been a dominant force for the Houston Rockets, particularly in their recent games. His ability to control the boards was on full display in the Rockets' win over the Clippers, where he recorded a triple-double, including 10 rebounds. Sengun's prowess on the glass is further emphasized by the Rockets' ranking as the top team in offensive rebounds per game. With the Bulls struggling defensively and the Rockets' offensive efficiency, Sengun is poised to have another strong rebounding performance. The over on 10.5 rebounds at -105 odds is a solid pick, given Sengun's recent form and the Rockets' overall rebounding strength.