How to Bet the Houston Rockets vs Chicago Bulls NBA Spread

The way the Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls have been playing defense recently, NBA betting buffs everywhere have what looks like a ‘lock’ selection on their hands if they simply make a wager on the Over/Under game total surrounding Saturday’s matchups. Here’s why!

Do the #Bulls still have a chance to make a playoff push? MAILBAG: https://t.co/8O7FNpDE2Y pic.twitter.com/DKUsPaPMnH

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 4, 2016

How to Bet the Houston Rockets vs. Chicago Bulls NBA Spread & TV Info

When: Saturday, March 5, 8:30 PM ET Where: United Center, Chicago TV: ABC NBA Odds: TBA

Why Bet the Houston Rockets

The Rockets (30-31 SU, 26-35 ATS) picked up a solid 100-95 win over New Orleans on Wednesday despite failing to cover the spread as a 6-point home favorite. Even in winning, the Rockets continued their season-long dysfunction as head coach J.B. Bickerstaff benched Dwight Howard and Patrick Beverley for arguing just over two minutes into the third quarter. New Orleans made three-point baskets on its first four possessions of the half, prompting Bickerstaff to call timeout and sit both starters after they got into it. Houston got 39 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists from James Harden in the win. “That’s what I do. I’m aggressive,” Harden said. “I’m aggressive every game, no matter if I make a mistake or not, it’s going to happen. Ultimately I’m going to do a better job of making the right decision than not. It goes both ways.” The Rockets added veteran Michael Beasley to their roster earlier in the week. Houston averages 105.6 points per game but allow a whopping 106.9 points per contest defensively. Houston is just 6-16 ATS in their last 22 games against their Eastern Conference counterparts.

Why Bet the Chicago Bulls

The Bulls (30-30 SU, 23-37 ATS) have lost four straight games including their humbling 102-89 loss to Orlando on Wednesday while failing to cover the spread as a 4.5-point road dog. Chicago got a team-high 16 points from Derrick Rose in the loss, but the former league MVP played just eight minutes in the second half and failed to score. The Bulls have now lost seven straight on the road. “This is foreign territory for me,” said Bulls guard Derrick Rose, who led the Bulls with 16 points and six assists. “There are no excuses. It’s all about the goals of the team. We said in preseason we wanted to be in the playoffs, but the question is now, are we trying to do that. I’m trying to figure that out. If we are, we have to start playing differently.” The once fearsome Bulls are now defensive patsies, having allowed at least 100 points in each of their last 10 games. “It’s frustrating, and things don’t look too good right now,” said center Pau Gasol, who had 12 points and five rebounds. “Teams smell blood with us, and they just go for it. We have to step it up.” The good news is that Chicago will get their best player back Saturday, as Jimmy Butler returns to the team’s lineup after missing the last 11 games with a left knee strain. Chicago went 3-8 without Butler. The Bulls average 101.5 points per game but give up 102.8 points per contest defensively.

Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction

With the way these two teams play defense, I think the Over is a virtual lock pick for this matchup. The Over is 14-2 in Houston’s last 16 road games and a consistent 23-7 in their last 30 games overall. The Over is also 6-0 in Chicago’s last six games playing on two days rest and 7-1 in their last eight games against a team with a losing straight up record. The Over is also 20-7 in the last 27 meetings between these teams and a perfect 5-0 in the last five meetings in Chicago. My final score prediction is Houston 111 Chicago 106.