Houston Rockets vs Chicago Bulls Picks and Predictions March 15th 2025

Houston Rockets vs Chicago Bulls March 15th 2025

At 8:00 ET, the Bulls (28-38) will take on the Rockets (42-25) in a non-conference matchup. Houston is currently favored by 9 and has a five-game win streak. The over/under line is set at 231.

This game will be played at the Toyota Center in Houston and can be seen on SCHN.

With both teams riding momentum, this matchup presents intriguing angles for bettors analyzing NBA Expert Picks.

Bulls vs. Rockets Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Chicago Bulls at Houston Rockets
• Where: Houston at Toyota Center
• Date: Saturday, March 15th
• Betting Odds HOU -9, CHI +301 | HOU -382 O/U 231

The Bulls Can Win If…

With a 116-110 win over the Nets on Thursday, the Bulls improved to 28-38 for the season. Chicago was favored by 1.5 points and covered the spread, while the total points of 226 fell short of the 230.5 O/U line.

Chicago turned the game around with a strong 4th quarter, outscoring Brooklyn 34-18. A key 10-0 run helped them take control, as they went from trailing 92-82 to leading 29-21 in the final period.

Coby White led the Bulls with 31 points and 7 rebounds, shooting 50% from the field and hitting 3 threes at 37.5% in their win over the Nets. Tre Jones and Kevin Huerter each added 18 points, with Huerter also grabbing 9 boards despite shooting 25% from deep.

As a team, the Bulls made 11 threes, shooting 29.7% from beyond the arc and 45.6% overall. White scored 9 points in the 4th quarter, while Huerter and Julian Phillips added 8 points each in the final period.

The Bulls tightened up defensively in the 4th quarter, allowing just 18 points to help secure a 116-110 win over the Nets. Chicago gave up 30 points in the 1st quarter and 35 in the 2nd, but they improved in the 3rd, allowing 27 points.

Overall, the Bulls held the Nets to 44% shooting, including 32% from three-point range, with Brooklyn making 11 threes. The Nets also went 13/18 from the free-throw line. Chicago recorded 8 steals and 4 blocks in the game.

• When looking at their past three road matchups, Chicago has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 117 per game. The team went 2-1 overall in these games.
• Through their last three games as the underdog, the Bulls have an ATS record of 3-0 and a straight up mark of 3-0.
• Over their last three games, the Bulls have an over/under record of 0-3 and are 3-0 vs. the spread.

The Rockets Can Win If…

The Rockets improved to 42-25 on the season with a dominant 133-96 win over the Mavericks on Friday. Playing at home, Houston was favored by 11.5 points and covered the spread with ease. The total score of 229 points went over the pre-game line of 220.

After a close 1st quarter, Houston took control by winning the 2nd quarter 35-24. A 10-0 run pushed their lead from 88-65 to 98-65, and they entered the 4th quarter up 99-70, closing out the game by outscoring Dallas 34-26 in the final period.

The Rockets shot 51.4% from the field and knocked down 15 three-pointers at a 48.4% clip in their 133-96 win over the Mavericks. Tari Eason led the way with 30 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 73.3% from the floor and hitting 2 threes at 66.7% efficiency.

Jalen Green contributed 23 points, connecting on 4 threes at 50% shooting. Eason scored 12 points in the 4th quarter, while Green added 11 in the 3rd.

The Rockets put on a defensive clinic against the Mavericks, holding them to just 96 points. Houston gave up 25 points in the 1st quarter and 26 in the 4th but tightened up in the middle, allowing only 24 in the 2nd and 21 in the 3rd.

Houston limited Dallas to 41% shooting from the field and just 8 made threes. The Mavericks shot 36% from deep. The Rockets sent Dallas to the line 12 times, where they made 10 free throws. Houston also controlled the boards, grabbing 50 defensive rebounds while allowing just 6 offensive boards.

• Through their last five home games, Houston has an ATS record of just 2-3. However, their overall record was 1-4 while averaging 111 points per game.
• In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Rockets have a strong straight up record of 3-0. In addition, their ATS record was 3-0 in these scenarios.
• In their last five games, the Rockets have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 4-1 vs. the spread.

The Lean

In this Bulls vs. Rockets matchup, our point-spread bet is on the Bulls at +9. While we project the Rockets to win 117-111, our recommendation is to bet on the Bulls for the point-spread.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 231, and our model predicts the Bulls and Rockets to score a combined 228 points. We recommend betting on the under.

Red-Hot Rockets Eye Sixth Straight Win

Two teams on winning streaks collide as the Houston Rockets host the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night. Houston (42-25) has won five straight and continues to climb the Western Conference standings, sitting just one game behind the Denver Nuggets for the No. 2 seed. Chicago (28-38) has won four in a row and is pushing toward a higher seed in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament, trailing the No. 8 Orlando Magic by two games.

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Rockets Dominate the Boards, Seek Another Statement Win

Houston has been one of the league’s best rebounding teams all season, leading the NBA with an average of 48.5 rebounds per game. That dominance was on full display Friday in a 133-96 blowout win over the Dallas Mavericks, where the Rockets crushed the rebounding battle 67-34, including a 17-6 advantage on offensive boards.

Alperen Sengun was a force in that victory, finishing with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists. Tari Eason delivered a career-high 30 points, while Jalen Green continues to be Houston’s primary scorer, averaging 21.1 points per game this season. The Rockets, now guaranteed their first winning season since 2019-20, are playing with confidence and efficiency as they push toward the postseason.

Coach Ime Udoka emphasized rebounding and transition play as crucial to the Rockets’ success, and the team has responded by controlling the glass and capitalizing on second-chance points. Their defensive pressure has also been key, as Houston has allowed just 101.6 points per game during its win streak.

Bulls Surging Behind Coby White’s Breakout

Chicago has quietly turned its season around, winning four straight games and moving within striking distance of Miami and Orlando in the Eastern Conference standings. The Bulls’ latest victory came on Thursday, a 116-110 home win over the Brooklyn Nets, where they tightened up defensively in the fourth quarter, allowing just 18 points to secure the comeback win.

Coby White has been the driving force during Chicago’s resurgence, averaging 31.3 points per game over the team’s four-game win streak. White leads the Bulls in scoring at 19.3 points per game for the season, with Nikola Vucevic providing consistent production at 18.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per contest.

Defense has been an issue for Chicago, ranking second-worst in the NBA in points allowed per game (120.2), but Thursday’s performance against Brooklyn showed signs of improvement. If the Bulls can maintain that level of defensive intensity, they could give Houston a challenge on the road.

Head-to-Head Season Series Analysis

Houston dominated the first meeting between these teams back on November 17, cruising to a 143-107 victory. Sengun posted a triple-double in that matchup with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. The Rockets’ physicality and rebounding overwhelmed Chicago in that contest, something the Bulls will need to address in the rematch.

With both teams currently in good form, this game sets up as a much more competitive battle than their first meeting. The Bulls will need to contain Sengun and limit Houston’s second-chance opportunities if they want to extend their winning streak.

Handicapper Insight

According to the latest data from ScoresAndStats.com, NBA handicapper Ben Burns has been particularly strong on totals betting, going 6-2 on his last eight over/under picks. Given the Bulls’ defensive struggles and the Rockets’ recent offensive surge, the over could present value for bettors in this matchup.

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Expert Prediction and Betting Insight

The Rockets have been dominant at home (25-10) and should have a clear advantage in rebounding and defensive consistency. Meanwhile, the Bulls’ recent form suggests they are capable of competing, but their defense remains a major question mark.

Houston’s edge on the glass and their ability to dictate tempo should make them the favorites in this contest. However, with Coby White playing at an elite level and the Bulls fighting for a better playoff position, they have the firepower to keep this game close.

For bettors looking for value, analyzing the total points market is key, as both teams have been lighting up the scoreboard during their recent hot streaks. For more insight, check out our latest NBA Expert Picks for this marquee matchup.