Chicago Bulls vs Houston Rockets Picks and Predictions November 17th 2024

The Bulls (5-8) will host the Rockets (9-4) in a non-conference matchup at the United Center in Chicago. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 7:00 ET.

Houston is currently favored by 4.5 points and has won four straight games. The over/under line is set at 233.5 points. The Rockets are 3rd in the Western Conference and 1st in the Southwest Division. The Bulls are 11th in the East and 4th in the Central Division.

Rockets vs. Bulls Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls
• Where: Chicago at United Center
• Date: Sunday, November 17th
• Betting Odds HOU -4.5, HOU -191 | CHI +160 O/U 233.5

The Rockets Can Win If…

The Rockets improved to 9-4 this season with a dominant 125-104 win over the Clippers on Friday. Playing at home, Houston was favored by 4.5 points and covered the spread. The game’s total of 229 points exceeded the O/U line of 214.5 by 14.5 points.

A key moment came when Houston went on a 14-0 run, stretching the score from 33-30 to 47-30. They outscored the Clippers 37-25 in the 2nd quarter and entered the 4th with a 94-75 lead, closing out the game by edging the Clippers 31-29 in the final period.

Jabari Smith Jr. led the Rockets to a win over the Clippers, scoring 28 points and grabbing 11 rebounds while hitting 5 threes at a 62.5% rate. Fred VanVleet added 18 points and 10 assists, knocking down 4 threes, and Dillon Brooks contributed 17 points, also hitting 5 threes.

Houston connected on 19 threes, shooting 43.2% from deep and 48.4% overall. Smith scored 14 points in the 2nd quarter, while Tari Eason and Brooks each added 6 points in the 4th.

The Rockets’ defense was solid throughout their win over the Clippers, giving up just 104 points. They held Los Angeles to 21 points in the 1st quarter and 25 in the 2nd, before allowing 29 points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters.

Houston limited the Clippers to 37% shooting from the field, including just 25% from beyond the arc, where they made 10 threes. The Rockets also came up with 11 steals and 3 blocks in the game.

• Across the Rockets last three road games, the team averaged 105 points per game while allowing 109. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-2, while going 2-1 straight-up.
• As the betting favorite, the Rockets have an ATS record of 3-0 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight up record was 3-0.
• Over their last three games, the Rockets have an over/under record of 1-1-1 and are 3-0 vs. the spread.

The Bulls Can Win If…

Following a 144-126 loss to the Cavaliers on Friday, the Bulls’ record has dropped to 5-8. Chicago, who entered the game as +10 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 270 points exceeded the O/U line of 238.5 by 31.5 points.

After falling behind 49-34 in the 1st quarter, the Bulls rallied in the 2nd, outscoring Cleveland 39-28. However, the Cavaliers went on an 11-0 run in the 4th quarter, extending their lead from 131-121 to 142-121, and ultimately put the game out of reach.

Coby White knocked down 6 threes, shooting 54.5% from deep, and finished with 29 points in the Bulls’ 144-126 loss to the Cavaliers. White scored 16 of his points in the 3rd quarter. Nikola Vucevic contributed 25 points, 11 of which came in the opening period.

Chicago connected on 20 threes, shooting 47.6% from beyond the arc and 51.1% overall. Patrick Williams hit 4 threes at an 80% clip, finishing with 17 points and 9 assists.

Defensively, the Bulls struggled against the Cavaliers, giving up 144 points on 54% shooting. Chicago allowed 49 points in the 1st quarter and 37 in the 4th, while Cleveland hit 21 threes at a 48% clip.

Chicago sent Cleveland to the line 24 times, where they made 21 free throws. The Bulls grabbed 33 defensive rebounds, allowed 4 offensive boards, and recorded 7 steals and 4 blocks.

• Across the Bulls last five home games, the team averaged 117 points per game while allowing 123. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 2-3, while going 2-3 straight-up.
• Through their last three games as the betting underdog, the Bulls have a strong record vs the spread going 2-1. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-2.
• In their last five games, the Bulls have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

The Lean

The Rockets is our selection to secure the victory, with a projected score of 139-130. We also like them to cover the spread, so we suggest betting on the Rockets at -4.5.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 233.5, and our model projects the Rockets and Bulls to reach a combined total of 269 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Jabari Smith Jr. Finding Groove as Rockets Face Bulls

The Houston Rockets, on a four-game winning streak, visit the Chicago Bulls on Sunday with momentum on their side. Fueled by a standout performance from Jabari Smith Jr., the Rockets are poised to continue their resurgence.

Jabari Smith Jr.’s Breakout Performance

After struggling offensively in recent games, Jabari Smith Jr. erupted for a season-high 28 points in Houston’s 125-104 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. Encouraged by coach Ime Udoka to focus on other aspects of his game, Smith tallied 11 rebounds and two steals to complement his 11-of-17 shooting, including 5-for-8 from three-point range.

“Tonight, I was just kind of letting it fly. Not thinking about it so much,” Smith said. “Getting out of my own head.”

Smith’s performance was emblematic of the Rockets’ overall offensive efficiency. Houston logged 31 assists on 46 field goals, showcasing improved ball movement and unselfish play.

Alperen Sengun recorded his fifth career triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Fred VanVleet added 18 points and 10 assists to maintain the Rockets’ rhythm.

Rockets’ Recent Momentum

Houston’s four-game win streak has highlighted their progress under first-year coach Udoka. The team’s focus on quick decision-making and sharing the ball has been instrumental, with VanVleet emphasizing the collective effort:

“Quick decisions. Nobody was really holding it,” VanVleet said.

Bulls’ Offensive Flashes Amid Inconsistency

The Chicago Bulls have faced a rollercoaster week, with a victory over the New York Knicks bookended by losses to the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite solid individual performances, including Coby White’s 29 points and Nikola Vucevic’s 25 in Friday’s 144-126 loss, defensive lapses and late-game execution have plagued the Bulls.

Josh Giddey, acquired in an offseason trade, struggled defensively against Cleveland and was limited to just 15 minutes. His absence late in the game highlighted the Bulls’ ongoing need for consistent defensive contributions.

“I have to be way better and will be going forward,” Giddey said.

Chicago’s offense remains promising, though, with 32 assists on 45 field goals and 20-of-42 shooting from beyond the arc against Cleveland.

Key Matchups

Jabari Smith Jr. vs. Bulls’ Defense

Smith’s newfound confidence and shooting accuracy will test Chicago’s ability to defend versatile forwards.

Nikola Vucevic vs. Alperen Sengun

Two skilled big men will go head-to-head, with both teams relying on their centers for playmaking and scoring in the paint.

Backcourt Battle

With Fred VanVleet orchestrating Houston’s offense and Coby White heating up for Chicago, the game could hinge on which backcourt asserts control.

What to Watch

The Rockets aim to extend their winning streak with another balanced offensive effort. Meanwhile, the Bulls seek a bounce-back performance on their home court, leveraging strong ball movement and three-point shooting.

The Rockets and Bulls have split their last 10 meetings, but Chicago has an edge at the United Center, winning three of the past four matchups at home.

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Prediction

With Jabari Smith Jr. finding his rhythm and the Rockets executing efficiently, Houston could edge out the Bulls in a tightly contested matchup. However, Chicago’s strong home-court record makes this game a potential nail-biter.

Prediction: Rockets 118, Bulls 114