Rockets vs. Bulls: 3 Best Bets

The Houston Rockets are underdogs as they take on the Chicago Bulls, but we were optimistic with our best bets.

The Houston Rockets started their six-game road trip with a loss to the Miami Heat, but are hoping to bounce back and win against the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have won their last two games, both against the Charlotte Hornets.

Chicago sits at 17-21 but still has play-in hopes, as they have won seven of their last 11 and look to be trending up. Thanks to that recent success, Chicago is favored to win tonight.

The Rockets will be without Dillon Brooks and Victor Oladipo, with Tari Eason questionable. Chicago has a loaded injury report: Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso, and Patrick Williams are probable, and Torrey Craig is out.

Keep it posted here for our best bets, courtesy of the lines at SI Sportsbook.

Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate shoots against Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) in the fourth quarter at Toyota Center / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Lines

Point spread: Bulls -3.5 (-118)/Rockets +3.5 (-105)

Moneyline: Bulls (-175)/Rockets (+140)

Over/under: 216.5

Our Picks

Safe Pick: Alperen Sengun OVER 22.5 points (-125)

Alperen Sengun has been on a tear recently, averaging 25.9 points over his last ten games. The Bulls aren’t exactly known as a defensive juggernaut, and they won’t have an answer to stop him. On top of the high-scoring output, Sengun has largely ditched the three ball and is instead working in the interior, to great success. His field goal percentage is way up since the start of the season, and taking fewer threes is a big part of that.

Opponent pick: Coby White OVER 18.5 points (-137)

Coby White has been red hot as of late, scoring at least 20 points in four of his last five games. He can’t miss from three this year, easily shooting 39 percent from behind the arc. With Dillon Brooks not playing tonight, Houston’s perimeter defense will be suspect at best, allowing White to get plenty of shots off.

Rockets Coach Udoka Wants Team to Strive to Be Better Instead of Settle

Team pick: Rockets to win (+140)

The Bulls have shown promise, but they are 7-13 when Zach LaVine plays. The two-time All-Star simply doesn’t gel with the Bulls’ roster, and they are better off without him. If he plays tonight, expect him to get in the way of the smart basketball his team has been playing recently, allowing Houston to easily win this one.