Chicago Bulls odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Philadelphia 76ers at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Philadelphia 76ers at Chicago Bulls odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Philadelphia 76ers (31-21) visit the Windy City Sunday to play the Chicago Bulls (33-19). The tip-off at United Center is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the 76ers vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Philly has lost back-to-back games to the Washington Wizards and at the Dallas Mavericks following a five-game win streak. The Sixers are 5-2 straight up (SU) and 3-4 against the spread (ATS) over the last two weeks.

Chicago has won three of its past four games including 122-115 at the Indiana Pacers in its last outing, easily covering as a 1.5-point road favorite. The Bulls are 5-3 SU and 4-3-1 ATS in the last 14 days.

The Sixers are 2-0 SU and ATS versus the Bulls this season and the total is 1-1 Over/Under (O/U) in those meetings.

76ers at Bulls odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:05 a.m. ET.

Money line: 76ers -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Bulls +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread: 76ers -2.5 (-107) | Bulls +2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 219.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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76ers at Bulls key injuries

76ers

SF Matisse Thybulle (shoulder) questionable

Bulls

PG Lonzo Ball (knee) out
SG Alex Caruso (wrist) out
SG Zach LaVine (back) questionable
PG Coby White (hip) questionable

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76ers at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

76ers 115, Bulls 109

Money line

BET the 76ERS (-135) for 1 unit.

The Bulls have been atrocious against strong defenses and Philly is ninth in adjusted defensive rating over the past two weeks, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Chicago is 4-11 SU versus top-10 defenses with a minus-9.3 adjusted net rating (ranked 25th) and a minus-5.5 ATS margin (ranked 28th), per CTG.

The Bulls also only put up 101.5 points per game (PPG) in their first two meetings with the Sixers despite that they average 111.7 PPG. This was a Bulls team playing with their three current or former All-Stars and Ball.

Philly just has Chicago’s number in their recent head-to-head history. The Sixers have won nine straight versus the Bulls (8-1 ATS) and Philly big Joel Embiid has never lost to Chicago.

Embiid is averaging 26.8 points on 62.4% true shooting (.541/.379/.732) with 11.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists and a plus-20 net rating in nine career games against the Bulls.

The Sixers were also without forwards Thybulle, Danny Green and Tobias Harris in Philly’s Nov. 6th 114-105 victory over the Bulls in Chicago.

BET the SIXERS (-135).

Against the spread

PASS.

Philly’s money line (ML) is only 28 cents on the dollar pricier than the 76ers -2.5 (-107) so let’s just pay the extra vig. However, if Philly’s ML goes north of -150 then I’d just lay the points with the Sixers.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the OVER 219.5 (-108) for a small wager, if at all, because Philly’s ML is my favorite wager in this contest.

Nine of the last 12 Sixers-Bulls meetings have gone Over the total and Chicago has a bottom-five defensive rating over the last two weeks.

The Sixers are 8-5-1 O/U as a road favorite and the Bulls are 14-10-1 O/U at home, but Philly has been playing good defense recently and the Sixers are 1-4 O/U in their last five games.

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Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (26-23) host the Chicago Bulls (32-18) Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off at the Scotiabank Arena. Below, we look at the Bulls vs. Raptors odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Chicago won four of its past five games, including two straight home games over the Orlando Magic Tuesday and Portland Trail Blazers Sunday. The Bulls are 4-3 straight up (SU) and 4-1-2 against the spread (ATS) since Jan. 21. One of those wins was a 111-105 victory versus the Raptors at home Jan. 26.

Toronto won and covered four of its past five games with the lone loss coming at Chicago. The Raptors are 5-2 SU and ATS since Jan. 21.

The Bulls won and covered the first two meetings with the Raptors this season with the Over/Under going 1-1.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA February 3 breakdown

Bulls at Raptors odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:55 p.m. ET.

Money line: Bulls +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Raptors -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
Against the spread: Bulls +4.5 (-102) | Raptors -4.5 (-122)
Over/Under (O/U): 222.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Bulls at Raptors key injuries

Bulls

PG Lonzo Ball (knee) out
SG Alex Caruso (wrist) out
SG Zach LaVine (back) probable

Raptors

C Khem Birch (nose) out

Bulls at Raptors odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Raptors 116, Bulls 108

Money line

PASS. Toronto (-210) is too expensive.

Toronto is 13-6 SU as a home favorite and Chicago is 3-9 SU as a road underdog.

Against the spread

GIMME RAPTORS -4.5 (-122) for 1 unit.

As mentioned, Toronto lost a tight battle at Chicago 111-105 Jan. 26, nearly covering as a 4-point road underdog and it was without leading scorer PG Fred VanVleet (21.5 points per game).

VanVleet should make the difference in this game since the Bulls have two missing starters in their backcourt, both of which are above-average on-ball defenders.

Toronto is stacked at the forward position and has the personnel to make things uncomfortable for Chicago wings LaVine and SF DeMar DeRozan.

On top of that, the Raptors are trending in a better direction than the Bulls. Over the past two weeks, Toronto is sixth in adjusted-net rating (plus-4.3) and 12th in ATS margin (plus-1.3), while Chicago is 17th in both adjusted-net rating and ATS margin, according to CleaningTheGlass.com.

This is a better spot for the Raptors, who are 10-3 ATS at home versus teams with a winning record and the Bulls are 4-5 ATS on the road versus winning teams.

Finally, there’s reverse line movement in Toronto’s direction. According to Pregame.com, nearly two-thirds of the cash wagered is on Chicago, but the Raptors have gone from 2.5-point opening favorites up to the current price. It’s a red flag whenever sportsbooks make the more popular side cheaper.

BET 1 unit on the RAPTORS -4.5 (-122).

Over/Under

PASS.

I “lean” to the Over 222.5 (-108) because Chicago’s defense has fallen off recently and the Bulls are 4-1 O/U in their last five games. Plus, the Raptors have gone Over the total in seven of their last eight games versus winning teams.

However, I prefer Toronto’s spread much more than the total, and a vast majority of the market is backing the Over, per Pregame.com. I hate following the herd in sports betting.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Portland Trail Blazers at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Portland Trail Blazers at Chicago Bulls odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Portland Trail Blazers (21-28) visit the Windy City Sunday to play the Chicago Bulls (30-18) at United Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Trail Blazers vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Portland snapped a two-game losing skid Friday by smacking around the Houston Rockets 125-110 as a 2.5-point road favorite. The Trail Blazers are 6-4 straight-up (SU) and 7-3 against the spread (ATS) in their last 10 games.

Chicago also had a two-game winning streak end Friday after losing at San Antonio 131-122 as a 2-point road underdog. The Bulls are 3-7 SU and 4-5-1 ATS in their last 10 games.

The Trail Blazers beat the Bulls 112-107 as 3.5-point home favorites in their first meeting this season (Nov. 17). Portland is 9-1 SU and 8-2 ATS in the past 10 games against Chicago.

Trail Blazers at Bulls odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:41 a.m. ET.

Money line: Trail Blazers +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Bulls -280 (bet $280 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Trail Blazers +6.5 (-112) | Bulls -6.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Trail Blazers at Bulls key injuries

Trail Blazers

PF Robert Covington (knee) probable
SF Nassir Little (shoulder) out
PG Damian Lillard (core) out
PF Larry Nance Jr. (knee) out
SF Norman Powell (knee) probable

Bulls

PG Lonzo Ball (knee) out
SG Alex Caruso (wrist) out

Trail Blazers at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Trail Blazers 118, Bulls 114

Money line

SPRINKLE on the TRAIL BLAZERS (+220) because this is a fat payout and there’s a bunch of value on Portland plus the points.

The main reason is the Bulls are 25th in defensive rating and the Trail Blazers have bludgeoned bad defenses this month.

Portland is 5-0 in January against teams in the bottom 10 of defensive efficiency. The Blazers own a plus-12.6 adjusted-net rating (ranked fifth) and a plus-11.7 ATS margin (ranked fourth), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Trail Blazers PG Anfernee Simons has filled in nicely in the starting role since Lillard was sidelined with an injury. Simons is averaging 24.4 points on 64.4% true shooting (.485/.444/.897) in January with 7.1 assists and a plus-5 net rating.

Chicago’s backcourt has been weakened by injuries. Both Ball and Caruso were the Bulls’ best two on-ball defenders, so it should be a lot easier for Simons to execute Portland’s offense Sunday.

The Trail Blazers attempt the 10th-highest rate of shots at the rim and the sixth-highest rate of 3-pointers, per CTG.

The Bulls allow the highest volume of shots at the rim and are 26th in defensive 3-point shooting percentage.

Again, SPRINKLE on the TRAIL BLAZERS (+220) if you bet them at all because their spread is the sharper play.

Against the spread

BET TRAIL BLAZERS +6.5 (-112) heavier than or instead of their money line because they have been a lot more profitable on the road lately than the Bulls have been at home.

The Trail Blazers are 5-2 SU in January and 5-2 ATS on the road with a plus-5.5 ATS margin (ranked sixth). Whereas the Bulls are 5-2 SU at home this month and 4-4 ATS with a minus-3.7 ATS margin (ranked 23rd).

PORTLAND +6.5 (-112) is my favorite wager in this game.

Over/Under

Slight “lean” to the OVER 228.5 (-110) for a small wager if at all. I prefer the Portland sides much more than the total, but as previously mentioned, Chicago’s defense has been awful this month and Portland is sixth in effective field-goal shooting.

Also, the Trail Blazers are sixth in 3-point attempt rate and fourth in free-throw attempt rate. I’ve already discussed how poor the Bulls are at defending behind the arc, but Chicago ranks 21st in defensive FT/FGA rate, so there’s a good chance the Trail Blazers earn easy points at the charity stripe.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Chicago Bulls at San Antonio Spurs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Chicago Bulls at San Antonio Spurs odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The San Antonio Spurs (18-31) host the Chicago Bulls (30-17) Friday at the AT&T Center for an 8:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Bulls vs. Spurs odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Chicago has won back-to-back games over the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday and the Toronto Raptors Wednesday. However, the Bulls are just 3-5 straight-up (SU) and 4-3-1 against the spread (ATS) over the past two weeks.

San Antonio has lost three of its past four games including its latest outing, which was a 118-110 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies as 4-point home underdogs. The Spurs are 3-5 SU and ATS in the last 14 days.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA January 28 breakdown

Bulls at Spurs odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5 p.m. ET.

Money line: Bulls +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Spurs -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Bulls +1.5 (-108) | Spurs -1.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 231.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Bulls at Spurs key injuries

Bulls

PG Lonzo Ball (knee) out
SG Alex Caruso (wrist) out

Spurs

None.

Bulls at Spurs odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bulls 117, Spurs 111

Money line

Slight “LEAN” towards the BULLS (+102) because I prefer their spread but, either way, Chicago is the right side.

The Spurs (-125) don’t have anyone to defend Bulls’ wings Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan; both of whom love to operate in the mid-range, and that’s where San Antonio’s defense is most vulnerable.

According to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG), Chicago attempts the third-highest rate of mid-range field goals and has the third-best field goal percentage on mid-range shots. Whereas San Antonio has the second-worst defensive field goal percentage versus mid-range attempts, per CTG.

Also, the Spurs have a bottom-five adjusted defensive rating at home, and the Bulls are 14-4 SU with a plus-8.5 adjusted net rating versus bottom-10 defenses.

Furthermore, DeRozan played for the Spurs from 2018-21 (three seasons) so he’s very familiar with the sightlines of AT&T Center and could be motivated to show up his former employer.

Again, “LEAN” to the BULLS (+102) since Chicago plus the points is a sharper wager.

Against the spread

BET the BULLS +1.5 (-108) because this is a case of the “wrong team is favored”. In fact, the Spurs -1.5 (-112) opened as a 4-point home underdog (according to Pregame.com) before the market steamed San Antonio up to the current price.

But, I cannot reverse engineer that line movement or figure out what the market sees in the Spurs, I see value on the Bulls in this spot. Plus San Antonio is 5-10 ATS as a home underdog, which it opened up as.

Since I think the Spurs should still be a home underdog, I’m BETTING the BULLS +1.5 (-108).

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the UNDER 231.5 (-107) for a small wager, if at all, because two of the three referees assigned to this game have officiated more Unders than Overs.

That could impact this total greatly since Chicago thrives at getting to the charity stripe, but San Antonio is fifth in defensive FT/FGA rate.

For what it’s worth, the Chicago sides are my favorite wagers in this game, and I’m not in love with the Under in Bulls-Spurs.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Toronto Raptors at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Toronto Raptors at Chicago Bulls odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (23-22) head to the Windy City Wednesday to play the Chicago Bulls (29-17) at the United Center. The tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Raptors vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Toronto has alternated between winning and losing over the past four games with the latest being a 125-113 beatdown of the Charlotte Hornets at home last night. The Raptors are 3-4 straight-up (SU) and 4-3 against the spread (ATS) over the past two weeks.

Chicago eked past the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 Monday sans SF DeMar DeRozan and pushing as 1-point road favorites. The Bulls are 2-6 SU and 3-4-1 ATS in the last 14 days.

The Bulls (-2) beat the Raptors 111-108 in their first meeting this season, Oct. 25, and the Over on a 213.5-point total cashed.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA January 26 breakdown

Raptors at Bulls odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:15 p.m. ET.

Money line: Raptors +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Bulls -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Raptors +3.5 (-105) | Bulls -3.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Raptors at Bulls key injuries

Raptors

PG Fred VanVleet (knee) questionable
SF Scottie Barnes (wrist) questionable

Bulls

PG Lonzo Ball (knee) out
SG Alex Caruso (wrist) out
C Nikola Vucevic (knee) probable

Raptors at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Raptors 113, Bulls 110

Money line

PASS with a heavy “lean” towards the Raptors (+140), and I’d sprinkle on Toronto’s money line if VanVleet plays. But, without VanVleet, I’ll just take the points with the Raptors.

Also, Toronto is 9-9 straight-up (SU) as a road underdog and Chicago is 13-4 SU as a home favorite.

Against the spread

BET the RAPTORS +3.5 (-105) for 1 unit because both teams have struggled recently, but the Bulls -3.5 (-120) have been downright awful.

Over the past two weeks, the Bulls are dead-last in both adjusted net rating (minus-14.4) and ATS margin (minus-8.1), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Furthermore, the absences of Ball and Caruso loom large for the Bulls. Each is key to Chicago’s previously elite defense that has tailed off recently.

For instance, in Jan., the Bulls has the second-worst adjusted defensive rating (per CTG) and rank 23rd in points off turnovers allowed per game and 24th in fast-break points per game (PPG) allowed.

Two of Toronto’s strengths are forcing turnovers and getting out in transition. The Raptors are second in points off of turnovers per game and fourth in fast-break PPG.

On top of that, there might be some additional value on Toronto here since it played last night, and the Raptors perform well on the second of a back-to-back. Toronto is an NBA-best 6-1 ATS on zero days rest with the best ATS margin (plus-8.6) and the third-best adjusted net rating (per CTG).

BET the RAPTORS +3.5 (-105).

Over/Under

PASS because the trends are pointing all over the place in this one, and all three referees assigned to this game have officiated more Unders.

That could have an impact since both teams have poor defensive FT/FGA rates, but I “lean” towards this game going Over 218.5 (-110).

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Chicago Bulls at Oklahoma City Thunder odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Chicago Bulls at Oklahoma City Thunder odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Bulls (28-17) stop by Paycom Center Monday for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off with the Oklahoma City Thunder (14-32). Below, we look at the Bulls vs. Thunder odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Chicago has lost six of its past seven games, going 3-4 against the spread (ATS) including two straight road games at the Milwaukee Bucks Friday and at the Orlando Magic Sunday. The Bulls are 26-19 ATS and 22-22-1 Over/Under (O/U).

The Thunder just wrapped a four-game road trip and have lost 10 of their last 11 games including five straight (2-2-1 ATS). OKC’s latest outing was a 94-87 loss at the Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday. The Thunder are 29-16-1 ATS and 18-28 O/U.

Bulls at Thunder odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:26 p.m. ET.

Money line: Bulls -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Thunder +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
Against the spread (ATS): Bulls -1.5 (-115) | Thunder +1.5 (-107)
Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Bulls at Thunder key injuries

Bulls (not officially submitted)

SG Zach LaVine (knee) questionable
PG Lonzo Ball (knee) out
SG Alex Caruso (wrist) out

Thunder

None.

Bulls at Thunder odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Thunder 108, Bulls 105

Money line

The oddsmakers are screaming at bettors to take the Bulls (-130) at this price, which is part of the reason I’m SPRINKLING on the THUNDER (+105).

Considering Chicago’s place in the standings and LaVine’s possible return, this seems like the oddsmakers are laying a trap. However, this is a much better spot for the Thunder.

Thunder PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander balled out versus the Bulls last season. Shai averaged 27.0 points per game (PPG) on 70.7% true shooting (.639/.500/1.000) with 5.5 assists in two meetings in 2020-21.

The absences of Ball and Caruso means Shai is essentially facing the same Chicago backcourt that he dominated last season.

SPRINKLE on the THUNDER (+105) since OKC plus the points is the much sharper play and I’d wait closer to tip-off before placing a wager.

Against the spread

Definitely BET the THUNDER +1.5 (-107) heavier than or instead of their money line because this is a much better spot for the Thunder.

OKC is 13-6-1 ATS as a home underdog, 6-3-1 ATS at home versus teams above-.500, 6-3-1 ATS when playing with a rest advantage and 10-4-1 ATS versus Eastern Conference teams.

On the other hand, Chicago is 3-5 ATS when playing with a rest disadvantage and 5-5 ATS on the road versus teams with a losing record.

Both teams have been playing terribly lately hence the tight odds but the Bulls haven’t been meeting expectations whereas the Thunder have.

Chicago is 29th in adjusted net rating at minus-8.0 but 28th in ATS margin at minus-4.2 over the last two weeks, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG), while OKC is 28th in adjusted net rating at minus-7.3 but 10th in ATS margin at plus-2.1 across that same span.

The THUNDER +1.5 (-107) is my favorite wager in this game but, again, I’d wait until closer to tip-off to get a better price.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the UNDER 216.5 (-112) for a tiny wager, if at all, because Chicago is 10-12-1 O/U on the road and OKC is 8-12 O/U as a home underdog.

However, the Over appears to be the sharp side since the total has been steamed from the 214.5-point opener up to the current price.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Charlotte Hornets at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Charlotte Hornets at Chicago Bulls odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Bulls (13-8) host the Charlotte Hornets (13-9) Monday at United Center for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Hornets vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

Charlotte had a three-game winning streak snapped after a 146-143 overtime loss at the lowly Houston Rockets Saturday. The Hornets are 12-10 ATS and 12-10 O/U with the 15th-best net rating (plus-0.5).

Chicago lost three of four including its more recent outing 107-104 to the Miami Heat at home. The Bulls are 13-8 ATS and 9-12 O/U with the fifth-best net rating (plus-6.8).

The Bulls beat the Hornets in all three regular-season meetings last season (3-0 ATS) and the Under was 2-1 in those contests.

Hornets 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 11:20 a.m. ET.

Money line: Hornets +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Bulls -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +5.5 (-112) | Bulls -5.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Hornets at Bulls key injuries

Kings

C Mason Plumlee (calf) out

Bulls

PF Patrick Williams (wrist) out

Hornets at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bulls 118, Hornets 110

Money line

PASS on picking an outright winner in the Battle of the Balls because I think Hornets-Bulls comes down to a couple of key late possessions, but Chicago will ultimately win.

The Bulls have a plus-4.0 net rating in the clutch, while the Hornets are minus-1.0 (the last five minutes of the game and the scoring margin is within five points). Also, Charlotte is missing much-needed size since Chicago big Nikola Vucevic is a top-10 offensive center in the NBA.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the BULLS -5.5 (-108) since there’s a “sharp line move” in Chicago’s direction and a “Pros vs. Joe’s” split in the betting market.

According to both Pregame.com and the Yahoo! Sports App, there have been more bets placed on the Hornets, but more money has been wagered on the Bulls. Oddsmakers have reacted by increasing Chicago’s spread up from the 5-point opening number.

There’s an assumption by the market that the Hornets are young, feisty road underdogs. However, since the beginning of last season, Charlotte is 14-24 ATS as a road underdog with a minus-8.2 scoring margin.

Also, Charlotte likes to get out in transition and that could backfire. The Hornets play the highest frequency of transition offense in the NBA, but the Bulls have the highest transition offense efficiency.

I cannot fully get there on Chicago laying the points because I think this will be a back-and-forth game between two young teams trending upwards.

Over/Under

BET OVER 224.5 (-107) since the market is hammering the Under and has steamed the total down from the 225-point opener.

The sibling-dynamic of Hornets’ LaMelo Ball vs. the Bulls’ Lonzo Ball will produce a fun, up-and-down game. Not only are both above-average starting point guards, but each also fits their teams perfectly.

LaMelo pushes the pace and helps get odd-man fastbreaks or open transition 3-pointers for teammates. Lonzo is a new-age floor general that feeds his All-Star-caliber wings Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.

The bottom line is I see both offenses executing and hoops fans being treated to an awesome game.

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