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The Chicago Bulls (3-6) and Atlanta Hawks (4-6) meet Saturday at State Farm Arena with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Bulls vs. Hawks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Bulls won 3-1 last season
The Bulls lost their 4th straight game Thursday, falling 135-119 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Chicago couldn’t cover as a 9.5-point home underdog, and the Over (227) hit. It was the second time in 3 games the Bulls allowed 135 points, a tough hole to dig out of. G Coby White (24 points, 8 assists) and C Nikola Vucevic (25 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists) led Chicago in scoring.
The Hawks lost a heartbreaker in Detroit, 122-121, covering as 2.5-point underdogs Friday while the Over (227.5) cashed. G Trae Young gave Atlanta a 121-120 lead with 12.5 seconds left, but Pistons G Cade Cunningham‘s hook shot with 8.5 seconds remaining put Detroit ahead for good. Young finished with 35 points and 13 assists, while F Jalen Johnson added 20 points and 9 rebounds.
Bulls at Hawks odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Bulls +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Hawks -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bulls +2.5 (-105) | Hawks -2.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 236.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Bulls at Hawks key injuries
Bulls
- G Lonzo Ball (wrist) out
- G Torrey Craig (illness) questionable
- G Zach LaVine (hip) questionable
- F Jalen Smith (hip) probable
Hawks
(Not yet submitted — below was for Friday’s game)
- G Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) out
- F De’Andre Hunter (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Bulls at Hawks picks and predictions
Prediction
Bulls 122, Hawks 118
Moneyline
PASS.
I believe the Bulls (+125) will win, as they’re well-rested and the Hawks are on a back-to-back after a tough loss. I’m avoiding the moneyline, though, and playing it safe with the spread instead.
Against the spread
BET BULLS +2.5 (-105).
The Bulls have won 6 of the last 10 meetings, going 7-3 ATS. However, covering the spread will be more challenging without LaVine, who usually benefits from G Josh Giddey’s assists. That said, Giddey has been relentless offensively and will likely continue leading his team effectively.
The Hawks looked strong in their last win, and with No. 1 pick F Zaccharie Risacher potentially living up to expectations, their high-powered offense will be tough to stop. Still, the Bulls have had success recently, and Atlanta struggles on back-to-backs, having failed to cover on the second night of their last 2. Despite the Hawks’ scoring advantage, we’ll back the Bulls to cover.
Over/Under
BET OVER 237.5 (-110).
Both Atlanta and Chicago play an up-tempo style, with the Hawks ranking in the top 10 for scoring (115.9 PPG) and the Bulls in the top 15 (113.7 PPG). Both teams are also in the top 5 for possessions per game.
The total has gone Over in 2 of the last 3 meetings. Additionally, the total has hit the Over in 5 of Atlanta’s last 6 home games and 4 of Chicago’s last 5 on the road. With these trends, I’m expecting this game to go Over Saturday.
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