The Detroit Pistons (0-1) take the short trip south to visit the Chicago Bulls (2-0) at the United Center Saturday. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Pistons vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The revamped Chicago Bulls have been terrific so far this season, crushing the New Orleans Pelicans Friday and downing the Pistons to kick off the season Wednesday.
The additions of PG Lonzo Ball and SG Alex Caruso have helped create a true contender. SG Zach LaVine, C Nikola Vucevic, and SG DeMar DeRozan bring the star power.
The Pistons led at times in their season opener against Chicago and get another crack at the Bulls. Detroit drafted G Cade Cunningham first overall but he’s yet to see the floor as he deals with an ankle injury.
Detroit is led by SF Jerami Grant who put up 24 points in the two teams’ first matchup.
Pistons 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: Pistons +330 (bet $100 to win $330) | Bulls -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pistons +8.5 (-110) | Bulls -8.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Pistons at Bulls key injuries
Pistons
- SG Cade Cunningham (Competition Reconditioning) out
Bulls
- No injuries affecting gambling odds.
Pistons at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Bulls 108, Pistons 102
Money line
PASS on the money line.
I would prefer to “lean” the Pistons after playing a solid game against the Bulls to open the season. However, I’m not confident enough that they can string together competent offensive possessions. Grant should lead again after bringing the only real threat in the opener, but it’s unlikely to be enough.
At -450 everyone should stay away from the Bulls money line.
Against the spread
BET on the PISTONS +8.5 (-110) as the best value in this game.
The Pistons covered for just about the entire game at home in their opener and lost the spread for those backing Detroit in the last minute of action. It was a painful beat as the Pistons ended as 5.5 underdogs and lost by 6.
I’m all over them getting 8.5 points, especially considering their offensive potency. While Grant is the only consistent threat, G Saddiq Bey can come alive and C Isaiah Stewart should have a greater impact.
With veterans on the bench as well, the more well-rested Detroit should be electric from the start. Chicago is 2-0 against the spread and Detroit is 0-1.
The Pistons held the Bulls to just 14 points in the first quarter in the opener. Detroit should look to improve offensively after scoring just 88 and hopefully tame Chicago’s offense.
Over/Under
“LEAN” on the UNDER 213.5 (-108). The Under is getting a little juice here as it’s almost too low for an NBA game.
However, the Bulls, with Ball, DeRozan, and Vucevic, aren’t an elite shooting side, averaging under 11 threes per game. The Pistons showed little offensively as well, often relying solely on Grant to get the job done.
While Chicago has a ton of talent, scoring against a lengthy Pistons team is not easy. Also, Chicago just put up 128 against New Orleans, a team missing superstar F Zion Williamson, which might have helped boost this total a bit.
Expect the Bulls’ halfcourt offense to come out on top with both teams playing a slower style. They should look to flash their depth as well which could keep players like LaVine with fewer minutes.
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