The Brooklyn Nets (7-3) travel to United Center Monday to take on the Chicago Bulls (6-3). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nets vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Bulls are welcoming the Nets two days after losing a close battle with the Philadelphia 76ers Saturday. The Bulls had multiple chances to pull ahead in the fourth despite the 9-point loss.
Their only losses to start the year are to the New York Knicks and Sixers (twice). Led by SG Zach LaVine and the league’s top fourth-quarter scorer DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls look to get back on track, having gone 2-3 since a 4-0 start.
The preseason title-favorite Nets, led by former MVPs PF Kevin Durant and PG James Harden, have been the opposite of the Bulls as they’ve won their last five games after a 2-3 start. Kyrie Irving remains out of the lineup for personal reasons.
Nets at Bulls odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Nets -103 (bet $103 to win $100) | Bulls -117 (bet $117 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Nets +1.5 (-115) | Bulls -1.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Nets at Bulls key injuries
Nest
- Not yet submitted — none expected that will affect gambling odds.
Bulls
- PF Patrick Williams (wrist) out
- G Coby White (shoulder) out
Nets at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Bulls 108, Nets 106
Money line
BET on the BULLS (-117) as Chicago is one of the smartest teams in the league. They rank third in turnover percentage.
Behind LaVine, DeRozan and big man Nikola Vucevic, this team averages the fourth-most free throws per game and shoots the highest percentage from the line.
Brooklyn ranks 17th in fouls per game which should allow Chicago to get some easy points in this one.
Also, the Bulls have a few stud defenders in Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso, both of whom should get chances to take on Harden and sharpshooter Joe Harris. Limiting them, despite how Durant does, should be key to victory.
The Bulls match up well with Brooklyn, and I expect their depth to help them come out on top in this one.
Against the spread
PASS on the spread and reference above.
Given how competitive these two teams should be, a close game should be expected. While one point isn’t much to be given, it’s providing relatively similar value to the money line, which I prefer here for the marginally worse odds.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the UNDER 216.5 (-108) as both teams have defensive studs.
Durant should be able to tame one of the Bulls’ leading scorers, DeRozan. On the other side, it’s Caruso or Ball against Harden. I’ll take the young defenders in that one.
Both teams rank in the top six in defensive rating. Given the style of Durant and Vucevic in the halfcourt, both teams also rank outside the top ten in pace.
Considering the defensive prowess and the style of the teams, the Under looks like the better play. Unders are also hitting at over a 60 percent rate this season, so you’re on the side that’s been statistically better.
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