Pro Basketball Picks: Chicago Bulls vs. Houston Rockets

Chicago Bulls vs. Houston Rockets
Wednesday, 12/18/13, 9:30 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Houston -7
Current Betting Line: Houston -8
Opening Total: 192
Current Total: 190.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Chicago Bulls need forward Luol Deng on the floor versus the Houston Rockets Wednesday night

Chicago has dropped back-to-back games, including a 83-82 setback to the Orlando Magic as seven-point home favorites Monday, while going UNDER the betting total in each of those affairs. The Bulls are averaging just 79.5 points per game since Dec. 7, which is important to consider when making your pro basketball picks Wednesday night. The team is 3-9 SU on the road this season, including an 0-4 mark when playing against Western Conference opponents. Chicago is 14-13 SU and 9-18 ATS in December the last two-plus seasons, with the UNDER going 17-10 in that situation.

The Bulls have dropped three games in a row to the Rockets, which can’t be ignored when looking over the pro basketball odds page. Chicago will need a big game from forward Luol Deng, who has averaged 25.7 points on 53.2 percent shooting in his last six contests that he’s participated in. He is scoring a team-high 19.6 points per game—leading the way offensively in 11 contests.

Houston has alternated wins and losses over its last four games, as it returns home after suffering a 106-91 setback to the Sacramento Kings as 6.5-point road favorites Sunday, while going UNDER the betting total of 214. The Rockets are hoping that shooting guard James Harden is able to shake off an ankle injury, as he’s averaging 24.7 points per game. The franchise is 10-3 SU at the Toyota Center, including wins in all six opportunities against Eastern Conference foes. Houston is 2-0 SUATS when playing on two days rest this season.

The Rockets have put together a remarkable 31-6 SU record at home in December since 2008, as they get set to play under interim head coach Kelvin Sampson for the 17th time. Houston is third in the NBA in knocking down 47.2 percent of its shots, which has played a major part in ranking second in averaging 107.0 points per game. On the defensive end, the squad has won six of seven games when holding opponents under 40 percent shooting.