Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls Odds, Picks & Predictions

The skidding Houston Rockets begin a three-game four-days road trip in Chicago against the suddenly surging Bulls on December 26, 2022. The Rockets (9-23) enter the contest on a five-game losing streak, while the Bulls (14-18) have won three straight.

Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. (ET) at the United Center. Let’s take a quick look at the Rockets vs Bulls odds and try to find out the best NBA picks and predictions.

Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls Facts & Trends

• The Houston Rockets are 14-15-3 against the spread this season.
• The Chicago Bulls are 16-16 against the spread this season.
• The Rockets are 6-9-1 against the road on the road.
• The Bulls are 6-8 against the spread at home.
• The Rockets are 14-12-3 against the spread as underdogs.

The Bulls and Rockets have been very underwhelming this year. Both have been mediocre at covering the spread. 

The Rockets have fared decently well against the betting spread as an underdog, going 14-12-3. The Bulls are just average as the home favorite, going 4-4 against the betting spread.

Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls Matchup Information

The December 26 contest is slated for 8:00 p.m. (ET) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NBC Chicago and NBA League Pass will provide coverage. 

Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls Odds

Chicago is a huge favorite here, as they are playing at home. Houston is not in good form, and the Rockets have been terrible on the road this season. 

The Rockets lead the all-time series 72-71, though the Bulls have won three of the past four meetings. The teams split last year’s two-game set, with each squad winning and covering the spread on their homecourts.

All in all, we should be in for a close and exciting NBA affair. Let’s take a closer look at the Rockets vs Bulls odds and analysis for this affair.

Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls Betting Previews

Betting on Houston Rockets

There is not much to say about the young Rockets, as they have been bad on both ends of the floor for much of the season. While Houston has struggled mightily on the offensive end over the last ten games, the Rockets have been better defensively – ranking No. 11 in defensive efficiency over the stretch. 

Houston is the worst shooting team in the league, and turnovers are a major issue. However, the Rockets are the best offensive-rebounding team in the league and are among the top teams at getting to the free-throw line. The Rockets also do a decent job defending at the rim. The 3-point and transition defense are issues.  

Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. have carried the Rockets offensively all season. The backcourt duo are solid scorers, but neither are shooters, and they are turnover prone. Green leads the way with 21.3 points on 40.9% shooting from the field, while Porter averages 18.7 points on 42.3%.  

Second-year center Alperen Sengun is developing nicely offensive-wise and becoming one of the better offensive-rebounding big men. Rookie Jabari Smith Jr. is improving every game offensively, coming off a season-high 24 against Dallas on Friday, and as a rebounder. 

Betting on Chicago Bulls

The Bulls have been a bit middling. The Bulls have a talented starting unit, although Lonzo Ball’s absence hurts since they don’t have a playmaker. Their bench is a major weakness. 

Chicago is an excellent shooting team, ranking sixth in field goal percentage and 11th in 3-point percentage. Despite their shooting prowess, the Bulls don’t have many 3-point shooters on their roster, which hurts them offensively. They are not good offensive rebounders and don’t get to the free-throw line a lot. 

Chicago struggles mightily on the defensive end. The Bulls don’t defend well and appear to have a lackadaisical attitude on that end of the floor. Their best defensive player, Alex Caruso, is sidelined with an injury. They are an excellent defensive-rebounding team and do a decent job of forcing turnovers. 

DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic are among the top offensive players at their position. There are no other Bulls who average double-figures.

Injury Report

Houston Rockets

• Eric Gordon sat out Friday’s game and is questionable for tonight with a thumb injury.
• Jae’Sean Tate remains out with an ankle injury.

Chicago Bulls

• Lonzo Ball remains out while recovering from knee surgery.
• Alex Caruso will miss a second straight game with a concussion.
• Javonte Green is likely to remain sidelined due to knee soreness.
• Derrick Jones Jr. is doubtful for tonight, with ankle soreness.

Top Sportsbooks Odds

• Betonline: Chicago Bulls -7.5
• Bovada: Chicago Bulls -7.5
• MyBookie: Chicago Bulls – 7
• BetUS: Chicago Bulls – 7.5
• BetNow: Chicago Bulls – 7.5

Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls Picks & Predictions

Looking at the Rockets vs Bulls odds, the Bulls are coming in as big favorites, which is not surprising. Chicago is at home and were playing solid basketball before the break. The Bulls have too much offensive firepower for the inconsistent Rockets, and they do an excellent job on the defensive glass.

Expect DeRozan and LaVine, who is playing well, to dice up the Rockets’ defense with their slashing abilities. 

The Pick

As mentioned previously, we should be in for an exciting affair. But according to the NBA odds, the Bulls are the better team, and we have to agree. When making NBA picks and predictions, take Chicago Bulls -7.

Check out the best betting sites to wager online at Online Betting Sports. Stay with us to keep up with the best offshore sportsbooks reviews and sports betting bonuses.