Chicago Bulls vs Houston Rockets: Tough game for the Rockets

COVID-19 has unsettled the fabric of the NBA and for tipsters, bookmakers, bettors, and enthusiasts, reading the league and formulating odds, predictions, etc. has become a difficult task. Still, we will all try until the league supplies games and despite the fear of postponements, we will formulate. In this game, the Chicago Bulls host the Houston Rockets. The Bulls got their four starters back in the last game and rocked the Lakers 115:110 meanwhile Houston is coming into this one after a win against the Pistons. For a quick look, head to “Notes”. For “total prediction” and “Game result prediction”, scoot over to “Expert Betting Tips”.

Bulls may be back: Chicago got their main players back in Ball, Caruso, Vucevic, Green, and DeRozan. With DeRozan at the helm now, the team can see a high-scoring production and Ball, Caruso, and Vucevic can also rack up points. While DeRozan can score around 28+ points, the trio of Ball, Caruso, and Vucevic can combine for 50-60 points which means that the Bulls are loaded on offense now. Against the Lakers, the four starters cracked the 17 points mark with DeRozan scoring a highly impressive 38 points. Now, the Bulls get a chance to go past 100-105 points and they have multiple playmakers, multiple shooters, multiple inside players, and also hustle players in the lineup and if there are no further COVID-19 outbreaks, they can correct the record sooner than later.

Rockets’ options: Christian Wood in the middle is the key to Rockets effort on both ends. With him in the middle, you get 17-27 points regularly also 9-15 rebounds and some top-quality shot-blocking. Apart from Wood, guards Eric Gordon and Garrison Matthews have combined for 35 or more points on a regular basis. Meanwhile, wing Jae’Sean Tate has also been an important contributor with 10-15 points regularly. The Rockets show the potential to go past 110 or so regularly when Gordon and Wood are playing. Apart from these starters, bench players like Christopher, Martin Jr., Sengun, and DJ Augustin have given some quality minutes too. Rockets are not among the elite defensive units and can face trouble against a rejuvenated Bulls lineup.

Here are some quick hitters related to the game:

• Chicago Bulls scored 115 points in the last game after scoring below 100 for two games without their starters;
• Bulls allowed 110 against a power-packed Lakers team;
• Rockets scored 116 points in the last game with Christian Wood coming back after a brief absence;
• Rockets allowed 107 points against a struggling Pistons team;
• DeMar DeRozan scored 38 points after his return;
• Ball, Caruso, and Vucevic scored 19, 17, and 19 respectively in the last game;
• Chicago Bulls had 16 offensive rebounds versus the Lakers;
• Christian Wood has figured in the 17-23 points range while grabbing 9-15 rebounds on regular;
• Eric Gordon has scored 18 or more in most of the games this month;
• Josh Christopher has scored 10 or more in the last three matches;
• Zach LaVine is still in the COVID-19 protocols and may end up missing some more games. Let us see if he receives a negative test soon;
• Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green continue to be out for the Rockets. Armoni Brooks is questionable for the game;
• It is a must to check the league’s injury list before placing bets.

Points Range: If healthy like the last game, the Bulls can easily go past 110 points or more and that is because with DeRozan having the ball, points are in full circulation. Ball, Caruso, and Vucevic also can score in a number of ways which means Chicago’s offense can click. The Rockets are no slouches when it comes to offense and if Gordon and Wood are good to go for this game then they will likely breach the 103 points mark. Suppose both teams crack past 103 and the minimum points range seems to be 205-206. Meanwhile, I suppose this can be a high-scoring affair and the points range for me seems to be 216-225.

Prediction: The Bulls can squeeze out opponents through their high-quality sets. One thing that has been special for Bulls with DeRozan in the mix has been that they have closed out games because he is a clutch player and can take over late in the game. For the Rockets, the challenge will be containing the shooters of Chicago too and it will be a tough ask for them if the Bulls field their regular starters. I feel like Chicago will edge out Houston 111:102 despite playing two games in two nights, hey, they had a long rest before their last game!

• Total 2 106.5 Under for 2.01;
• Total: U 223.5 for 1.90;
• Alternate Points Spread: Chicago Bulls -7.5 for 1.75.