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The Chicago Bulls (1-2) face the Indiana Pacers (2-0) Monday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Bulls vs. Pacers and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; Pacers won last year’s series 3-1
Indiana came into this season with a lot of positive vibes with the public betting on their Over win total, and so far that looks like a good bet. The Pacers just beat an injured Cleveland Cavaliers squad 125-113 despite trailing by double digits in the 1st quarter. Backup SF Aaron Nesmith led Indiana with 26 points off 10-of-16 shooting, including 5 of 9 from 3.
Chicago lost Sunday to the Detroit Pistons 118-102, getting out-rebounded 53-32. SG Zach ZaVine scored 51 points, but starting PF Patrick Williams and starting PG Coby White failed to get a point in their combined 49 minutes on the floor.
Bulls at Pacers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:31 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Bulls +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Pacers -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bulls +3.5 (-110) | Pacers -3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Bulls at Pacers key injuries
Bulls
- SG Zach LaVine (back) probable
Pacers
- None
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Bulls at Pacers picks and predictions
Prediction
Pacers 118, Bulls 116
Moneyline
The Pacers have come out of the gate running. And they trailed early in both games before chipping away and pulling ahead to win. Indiana leads the league in 3-pointers made per game (17.5) while the Bulls are 29th in shooting percentage allowed (51.2%). But at -160, picking the Pacers is a bit too chalky. You should PASS and get more value with the spread.
Against the spread
The Bulls are 0-3 ATS this season while the Pacers are 2-0. But league-wide there are a few trends to note before you jump the gun. Teams coming off a win have covered just 8 times in 18 attempts. And home favorites have a 10-12 ATS record. The books know this game will be close and I will follow their lead.
LEAN BULLS +3.5 (-110).
Over/Under
Both these teams, at least for now, are focusing on offense. Indiana ranks number 1 in field goals attempted per game (102.5), and Chicago isn’t far behind at No. 3 (95.3). And both teams have severe liabilities on defense. The Pacers allow 97.5 shot attempts per game (28th in the NBA) while the Bulls’ opponents on average shoot 59.7% from 2.
BET OVER 225.5 (-110).
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