The Chicago Bulls (15-16) host the Phoenix Suns (20-11) Friday at United Center. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Suns-Bulls odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
Phoenix lost 124-121 to the Charlotte Hornets as a 9-point home favorite Wednesday to snap a three-game win streak. The Suns are the second-hottest team in the league currently and are 10-3 straight up and against the spread in February while outscoring opponents 117.6-108.9 on average.
Chicago has won three straight and five of its last six games while going 5-1 ATS. Bulls’ leading scorer G Zach LaVine was just named to his first All-Star Game and is averaging 28.8 points on .523/.440/.866 shooting with 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
Suns at Bulls: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:35 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Suns -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Bulls +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
- Against the spread/ATS: Suns -6.5 (-110) | Bulls +6.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 226.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Suns at Bulls: Key injuries
Suns
Nothing affecting the betting lines.
Bulls
- PF Lauri Markkanen (shoulder) out
- SF Otto Porter Jr. (back) out
Special NBA Betting Promotion!
Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game today. Promotion available in CO, IN, MI, NJ, TN, VA and WV. IA and PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer!
Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!
Suns at Bulls: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Suns 117, Bulls 114
Money line (ML)
I lean BULLS (+220) for a tiny wager if at all because I like Chicago to cover the spread and think the Bulls are a live dog. LaVine has been unguardable lately and will cancel out Suns G Devin Booker‘s production.
Bulls C Wendell Carter Jr. should be able to hold his own against Suns C Deandre Ayton and I’ll take Chicago’s forwards over Phoenix’s. Also, both teams are deep with the Suns having the best bench plus/minus and with the Bulls right behind them.
(The score is an honest projection).
Play our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Against the spread (ATS)
This game opened with Phoenix laying 5 points and the market has steamed the Suns up to the current price, which makes me feel better about the Bulls here. Generally, it’s best to be on the same side as the House when gambling and Suns-Bulls should be at the opening number.
Furthermore, while the Suns actually have a better ATS record than the Bulls (Phoenix is 20-11 ATS and Chicago is 19-12 ATS), they are only 4-5 ATS as a road favorite and the Bulls are 14-7 ATS as an underdog.
BET the BULLS +6.5 (-110) heavier or instead of the money line.
Over/Under (O/U)
Slight lean on OVER 226.5 (-110) for a quarter-unit because I’m high on both offenses. Phoenix has been a top-10 defense this season but the Over cashed in eight of the Suns’ previous 10 games.
Chicago has a 7-3 O/U record as a home underdog and is sixth in effective field-goal percentage as a team.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Also see:
- NBA announces Rising Stars game will not be played All-Star weekend (Rookie Wire)
- Bet Slippin’ Podcast: PGA Tour double-dip and what’s up with James Harden’s MVP odds?
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]