Chicago Bulls odds picks prediction spread over/under betting line – Page 2

Brooklyn Nets at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Brooklyn Nets at Chicago Bulls and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Brooklyn Nets (25-14) travel to the Windy City Wednesday for a 10 p.m. ET tip-off with the Chicago Bulls (27-11) at the United Center. Below, we look at the Nets vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Brooklyn has alternated between winning and losing over the past five games most recently losing at the Portland Trail Blazers 114-108 as 8.5-point road favorites. It was Kyrie Irving‘s second game back, and Kyrie scored 22 points on 42.9% shooting with 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

Over the past two weeks, the Nets are 2-5 straight-up (SU), 0-7 ATS and 3-4 O/U with the 23rd-ranked non-garbage time net rating at minus-6.1 points per 100 possessions, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

The Bulls (-13.5) clobbered the Detroit Pistons last night (Tuesday) 133-87 for Chicago’s 10th win in the last 11 games.

In the last 14 days, the Bulls are 6-1 SU, 3-4 ATS and 3-4 O/U with the fifth-best non-garbage time net rating at plus-8.4 points per 100 possessions, per CTG.

Chicago has won and covered against Brooklyn in their first two meetings this season. The Under has cashed in six consecutive Nets-Bulls games.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA January 12 breakdown

Nets 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 2:30 p.m. ET.

Money line: Nets +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Bulls -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nets +1.5 (-105) | Bulls -1.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 233.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Nets at Bulls key injuries

Nets

PG Kyrie Irving (foot) questionable
SG James Harden (knee) questionable
C Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) questionable
C LaMarcus Aldridge (foot) out

Bulls

SG Alex Caruso (foot) out

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Nets at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Money line

“LEAN” to the BULLS (-130) because they are being backed by presumably sharp money while the Nets (+105) are the public side.

According to Pregame.com, Chicago’s money line has been steamed up from the -125 opener.

Furthermore, the Bulls are healthier and more in-sync than the Nets. Kyrie goes in and out of the lineup based on his opponent location’s COVID policies, and Harden is dealing with a knee injury.

On the other hand, Chicago has all three of its former All-Stars (DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević) in the lineup along with floor general and first-year PG Lonzo Ball.

There were questions about how these new pieces would gel for the Bulls, but considering Chicago is first-place in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls are one of the biggest first-half surprises in the NBA.

I only “LEAN” to the BULLS (-130) because I’d rather wait to see Brooklyn’s official starting 5 before placing a wager.

Against the spread

PASS since Chicago’s money line is only 10 cents on the dollar more expensive than the Bulls -1.5 (-120) so there’s no point in fussing with the spread here.

For what it’s worth, Chicago is 11-5 ATS as a home favorite, and Brooklyn is 3-1 ATS as a road underdog.

Over/Under

BET the UNDER 233.5 (-107) for 1 unit as a fade against this line movement. The Nets-Bulls look-ahead total was set at 231 but has been steamed all the way up to 233.5.

Both teams have a bottom-six 3-point attempt rate, and the Under has cashed in Chicago’s last five meetings with teams above-.500.

Also, the Nets are 6-12 O/U versus teams with a winning record, and the Bulls are 6-9 O/U against teams with a winning record.

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Chicago Bulls at Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Chicago Bulls at Dallas Mavericks and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (21-18) host the Chicago Bulls (26-10) Sunday at the American Airlines Center for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Bulls vs. Mavericks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Chicago has won nine straight games (5-4 ATS) with the latest outing being a 130-122 at home over the Washington Wizards as 5.5-point home favorites.

In the last 14 days, the Bulls have the seventh-best adjusted net rating at plus-6.5 points per 100 possessions and ninth-best spread differential at a plus-1.7 ATS margin, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Dallas has won five in a row (4-1 ATS), which includes a victory over the second-place Golden State Warriors Wednesday in former Mavs great Dirk Nowitzki’s jersey retirement ceremony.

Over the past two weeks, Dallas is 6-1 overall, 5-2 ATS and 2-5 O/U with the best adjusted net rating in the NBA at plus-17.9 points per 100 possessions, per CTG.

The Bulls (-3.5) beat the Mavs in their first meeting this season in Chicago 117-107, Nov. 10. In fact, the Bulls have won and covered four straight meetings with the Mavs and the total is 2-2 O/U in those contests.

Bulls at Mavericks 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 11:50 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bulls -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Mavericks +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread (ATS): Bulls -2.5 (-108) | Mavericks +2.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Bulls at Mavericks key injuries

Bulls

SG Alex Caruso (health and safety protocols) out

Mavericks

PG Luka Doncic (ankle) questionable
PF Kristaps Porzingis (health and safety protocols) out

Bulls at Mavericks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bulls 115, Mavericks 109

Money line

PASS with a heavy “lean” towards the Bulls (-135) because I like Chicago to win this game handily, but I’m so confident in the Bulls here that I’ll just lay the points.

Chicago outshot Dallas from everywhere on the floor in their first meeting, out-rebounded them, was better in three of the “four factors” and had a better assist-to-turnover ratio.

Furthermore, the Mavs will be without their leading scorer and rebounder from that game, Porzingis, who also led the starting 5 in plus/minus in that game.

Against the spread

BET the BULLS -2.5 (-108) despite the Mavericks +2.5 (-112) having a better non-garbage time net rating over the past two weeks even though both teams are in the midst of winning streaks.

The bottom line is this is just a better spot for Chicago. For instance, the Bulls are 7-4 ATS as a road favorite and 8-4 ATS versus Western Conference foes. While the Mavs are 4-5 ATS at home versus teams with a winning record and 2-9 ATS versus Eastern Conference opponents.

Also, Chicago handled Dallas earlier this season despite Bulls wing DeMar DeRozan having an off-night against a Dallas team he’s played very well against recently.

Last season, while playing for the San Antonio Spurs, DeRozan averaged 30.7 points per on 51.6% shooting with 8.3 assists per in three games versus the Mavs.

BET the BULLS -2.5 (-108).

Over/Under

PASS since the situation-based trends point in opposite directions and the total is split 2-2 O/U in the past four Bulls-Mavericks meetings.

If anything, I “lean” to the Under 217.5 (-110) because the Mavs are 4-13-1 O/U in Dallas with a minus-6.7 total margin.

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Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Washington Wizards (19-19) travel to the Windy City Friday for an 8 p.m. ET game against the Chicago Bulls (25-10) at the United Center. Below, we look at the Wizards vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Washington has alternated between winning and losing in the last five games with the latest being a 114-111 loss to the Houston Rockets at home as 7-point favorites.

Over the past two weeks, the Wizards are 3-4 straight-up (SU), 5-2 ATS and 5-2 O/U with the 17th-ranked non-garbage time net rating at plus-0.2 points per 100 possessions, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Chicago has won eight straight games, which includes two straight buzzer-beater victories by Bulls wing DeMar DeRozan, one over the Wizards, 120-119, New Year’s Day.

In the last 14 days, Chicago is 6-0 SU, 3-3 ATS and 3-3 O/U with the sixth-best non-garbage time net rating at plus-6.7 points per 100 possessions, per CTG.

Wizards 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 7:50 a.m. ET.

Money line: Wizards +225 (bet $100 to win $225) | Bulls -290 (bet $290 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Wizards +6.5 (-110) | Bulls -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 222.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Wizards at Bulls key injuries

Wizards

PF Davis Bertans (foot) doubtful
PF Montrezl Harrell (health and safety protocols) questionable
PF Rui Hachimura (reconditioning) out
SG Anthony Gill (health and safety protocols) out
PG Brad Wanamaker (health and safety protocols) out

Bulls

SG Alex Caruso (health and safety protocols) out

Wizards at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wizards 114, Bulls 109

Money line

SPRINKLE on the WIZARDS (+225) for a tiny wager, if at all, because I like Washington plus the points enough where I’ll sprinkle on the underdog’s money line.

The Bulls (-290) has won its last three games by a combined seven points, two of which were by DeRozan buzzer-beaters. Also, these teams met this past weekend, and it’s hard beating the same team twice in a short period.

Furthermore, Chicago has top-heavy production so if either DeRozan or Zach LaVine have an off-shooting night, the Bulls are in trouble. Chicago’s bench scores the second-fewest points per game (PPG) at 26.3 PPG whereas Washington’s bench scores the seventh-most at 37.2 PPG.

On top of that, the Wizards could be getting back a sneaky crucial piece in Harrell, and PGs Spencer Dinwiddie and Raul Neto returned for Washington last game.

The return of these players just pads Washington’s edge in depth over Chicago. Plus Harrell and Neto are second and third in adjusted on/off net rating on the Wizards roster.

Again, the plan is to bet Chicago plus the points heavier, but I’ll SPRINKLE on the WIZARDS (+225).

Against the spread

Definitely BET the WIZARDS +6.5 (-110) heavier than, or instead of, their money line.

The Bulls -6.5 (-110) are the hottest team in the NBA, but they haven’t covered in their last three wins. On the other hand, the Wizards are treading water but have covered six of their last eight games.

Moreover, Washington is 5-0 ATS in its last five games versus teams with a winning record and 4-0 ATS following a loss. The bottom line is this is a good time to sell high on the Bulls and buy low on the Wizards.

The WIZARDS +6.5 (-110) is my favorite wager in this game.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 222.5 (-112) because there are several trends supporting a bet on the Over in this spot.

For example, Washington has gone Over the total in five of their last six games as a road underdog, Chicago has gone Over the total in 14 of their last 19 games played on three or more rest days and the first Wizards-Bulls meeting Saturday soared Over the total by 18 points.

However, my favorite bet in this game are the Washington sides so I wouldn’t hit the total too hard here.

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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 Washington Wizards odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Bulls (23-10) head to the nation’s capital on New Year’s Day for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off against the Washington Wizards (18-17) at Capital One Arena. Below, we look at the Bulls vs. Wizards odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Chicago enters on a six-game winning streak (4-2 ATS and 4-2 O/U) with the second-best non-garbage time net rating at plus-10.1 points per 100 possessions over the past two weeks, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Washington broke a two-game losing streak with a 110-93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers Thursday. In the last 14 days, the Wizards are 3-2 straight-up (SU), 4-1 ATS, and 3-2 O/U with the 14th-ranked adjusted net rating at plus-1.4 points per 100 possessions (CTG).

The Bulls won and covered two of their three meetings with the Wizards last season and the total was 1-2 O/U in those contests.

Bulls at Wizards 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 2:30 p.m. ET.

Money line: Bulls -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Wizards +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
Against the spread (ATS): Bulls -2.5 (-107) | Wizards +2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 221.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Bulls at Wizards key injuries

Bulls

SF Javonte Green (foot) doubtful
PG Lonzo Ball (reconditioning) out
C Tony Bradley (health and safety protocols) out
SG Alex Caruso (foot) out

Wizards

PG Davis Bertans (illness) out
C Thomas Bryant (health and safety protocols) out
PG Spencer Dinwiddie (health and safety protocols) out
PF Rui Hachimura (health and safety protocols) out
PF Montrezl Harrell (health and safety protocols) out
PG Raul Neto (health and safety protocols) out
SG Aaron Holiday (health and safety protocols) out

Bulls at Wizards odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wizards 109, Bulls 106

Money line

PASS with a heavy “lean” to the Wizards (+105) because I like them to cover the spread and generally will “sprinkle” on an underdog’s money line when betting them to cover.

However, Washington’s money line would need to be priced north of +125 for me to take a shot with the Wizards outright.

Against the spread

BET the WIZARDS +2.5 (-115) because even though all the money is on the Bulls -2.5 (-107), Washington is the more expensive team and this is a good spot for the Wizards.

For instance, according to Pregame.com and the Yahoo! Sports app, roughly 80% of the action is on Chicago but, if anything, Washington is getting pricier.

This type of reverse line move is a red flag in sports betting. Why would the sportsbooks make the more popular side cheaper? Hmmm.

Furthermore, Washington is 4-2 SU and ATS as a home underdog, 4-2 ATS when getting spotted 1-2.5 points and 5-3 ATS at home vs. teams with a winning record.

Also, the Wizards are 8-6 SU vs. teams in the top-10 of adjusted net rating with the eighth-best adjusted net rating and the seventh-best spread differential (CTG).

BET the WIZARDS +2.5 (-115) for 1 unit.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 221.5 (-112) for a quarter unit as a fade against a market that’s hammering into the Over.

According to Pregame.com, nearly 85% of the money is on the Over, which has steamed the total up from the 216.5-point opener. My instinct in sports betting is fade lopsided betting markets and this drastic of line movement.

However, I can only “LEAN” to the UNDER 221.5 (-112) because the Bulls are 7-3 O/U as a road favorite (plus-5.4 total margin) and the Wizards are 3-2-1 O/U as a home underdog (plus-5.7 total margin).

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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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Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Atlanta Hawks (15-18) meet the Chicago Bulls (21-10) in the second of their back-to-back Wednesday at the United Center. The tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Hawks vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Chicago handled Atlanta in the first of their two-game series 130-118 Monday, easily covering as 3.5-point road favorites.

Bulls’ wings DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine combined for 65 points on 25-of-42 shooting and 19 assists in the win. It was Hawks’ point guard Trae Young‘s first game back after missing three games with COVID. Young put up 29 points on 8-of-23 shooting with 9 assists.

Chicago has won four straight games and covered in three of those four wins while Atlanta has lost four of its past five games with a 1-4 ATS record over that span.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA December 29 breakdown

Hawks 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 3:50 p.m. ET.

Money line: Hawks +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Bulls -380 (bet $380 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hawks +7.5 (-107) | Bulls -7.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Hawks at Bulls key injuries

Hawks

PF John Collins (health and safety protocols) out
SG Kevin Huerter (health and safety protocols) out
SF Danilo Gallinari (health and safety protocols) out
SG Bogdan Bogdanovic (health and safety protocols) out
SF De’Andre Hunter (health and safety protocols) out

Hawks

SF Derrick Jones Jr. (hamstring) questionable
PG Lonzo Ball (health and safety protocols) out
C Tony Bradley (health and safety protocols) out
SG Alex Caruso (foot) out

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Hawks at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bulls 115, Hawks 111

Money line

PASS because Chicago still has a decisive advantage given Atlanta’s injury report, but the Bulls (-380) is far too expensive for an NBA regular-season money line favorite.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the HAWKS +7.5 (-107) for a half-unit because of the zig-zag theory mostly. Essentially, it’s tough to beat the same team in consecutive games in the NBA and it’s almost profitable to automatically bet against the team that just won the previous contest.

Also, Atlanta was randomly hit by sharp money as the Hawks changed 8.5-point to 7.5-point underdogs while I was writing this. A majority of the money is still on the Bulls, according to Pregame.com and the Yahoo! Sports app, but the line is moving towards Atlanta.

Maybe there’ll be breaking news about one of Atlanta’s players clearing the health and safety protocols or perhaps the “wise guys” just like the Hawks in this spot.

Either way, I can only “LEAN” to the HAWKS -7.5 (-107) because of the situation whereas I’m actually higher on the Bulls long-term. This just feels like a good spot to fade the public.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 223.5 (-115) because there’s been a sharp line move towards the Over as the look-ahead total for Hawks-Bulls was 220.5 but has been steamed up.

More importantly, the assigned officiating crew for this game has a combined 39-33 O/U record. That matters because both teams’ leading scorers like to get to the charity stripe, and if these refs generally officiate more Overs then perhaps there’ll be more free-throw attempts in this game.

However, I can only “LEAN” to the OVER 223.5 (-115) since we are getting the worst of the number.

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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 Atlanta Hawks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Chicago Bulls at Atlanta Hawks and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Bulls (20-10) visit the Big Peach Monday for a 7:30 p.m. ET game against the Atlanta Hawks (15-17) at State Farm Arena. Below, we look at the Bulls vs. Hawks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Chicago is a winner of three games in a row with the latest being a 113-105 victory over the Indiana Pacers as a 4.5-point home favorite Sunday.

The Bulls are 3-0 straight-up (SU), 2-1 ATS and 2-1 O/U over the past two weeks with the second-best net rating (plus-10.4 points per 100 possessions), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG). Several Chicago games have been postponed recently due to complications surrounding COVID.

Atlanta got blown out 101-87 by the Knicks in New York on Christmas to lose for the third time in its last four games.

The Hawks are 2-4 SU, 2-4 ATS and 1-4 O/U in the last 14 days with the 25th-ranked non-garbage time net rating (minus-7.3 points per 100 possessions), per CTG.

Bulls at Hawks 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 11:19 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bulls -230 (bet $230 to win $100) | Hawks +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
Against the spread (ATS): Bulls -5.5 (-112) | Hawks +5.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 207.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Bulls at Hawks key injuries

Bulls (not officially submitted)

PG Lonzo Ball (health and safety protocols) out
C Tony Bradley (health and safety protocols) out
SG Alex Caruso (foot) out
SF Derrick Jones Jr. (hamstring) questionable

Hawks

PG Trae Young (health and safety protocols) out
PF John Collins (health and safety protocols) out
SG Kevin Huerter (health and safety protocols) out
SF Danilo Gallinari (health and safety protocols) out
SF De’Andre Hunter (health and safety protocols) out

Bulls at Hawks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bulls 109, Hawks 94

Money line

PASS since Chicago should win this game going away but the -230 tag is a little too far out of my price range for a money line favorite in this spot.

Chicago is 6-2 SU as a road favorite and 3-2 SU on the second of a back-to-back. While Atlanta is 0-1 SU as a home underdog and 2-6 SU when playing with a rest advantage.

Against the spread

BET 1 unit on the BULLS -5.5 (-112) because the Hawks are without three starters including Trae and Collins whereas Chicago has its two leading scorers active for this game.

Trae grades in the 92nd percentile of point guards in on/off net rating (plus-11.8 points per 100 possessions) and Collins in the 95th percentile of forwards (plus-14.4 points per 100 possessions), per CTG.

Bulls’ leading scorer F DeMar DeRozan balled out in his two games against Atlanta last season and there’s no reason that shouldn’t continue Monday. DeRozan put up 29.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game with a plus-13 net rating in his two games against Atlanta last season.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 207.5 (-107) because there’s reverse line movement towards the Under. Roughly 90% of the action at the time of publishing is on the Over according to Pregame.com, but the total has been lowered from the 208.5-point opener.

Both teams also play at a below-average pace and the two Bulls that get Chicago out into transition (Caruso and Ball) will be sidelined as per the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Plus the Under is 3-0 for the Hawks since Trae has been sidelined with COVID.

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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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Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Indiana Pacers (14-19) travel to the Windy City Sunday for an 8 p.m. game against the Chicago Bulls (19-10) at the United Center. Below, we look at the Pacers vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Indiana has alternated between winning and losing over the past four games with the latest being a 118-106 victory over the Houston Rockets Thursday.

Over the past two weeks, the Pacers are 2-3 straight-up (SU), 2-3 ATS and 3-2 O/U with the 22nd-ranked non-garbage time net rating (minus-5.5 points per 100 possessions), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Chicago has had several games postponed recently, including its last two, due to a COVID outbreak. But, the Bulls beat the Rockets, 133-118, Monday, covering as 7.5-point home favorites.

The Bulls are 2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS and 2-0 O/U in their last two weeks with the third-best non-garbage time net rating (plus-12.2 points per 100 possessions), per CTG.

The Pacers stomped the Bulls, 109-77, as 1.5-point underdogs in Chicago in their first meeting Nov. 22.

Pacers 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 12:30 p.m. ET.

Money line: Pacers +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Bulls -320 (bet $320 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Pacers +6.5 (-102) | Bulls -6.5 (-122)
Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Pacers at Bulls key injuries

Pacers

PG Malcolm Brogdon (Achilles’) questionable
PF Domantas Sabonis (calf) questionable

Bulls

SG Alex Caruso (foot) out

Pacers at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Pacers 112, Bulls 109

Money line

Slight “LEAN” to the PACERS (+250) for a tiny wager, if at all, because I like Indiana plus the points in this spot, and that payout is too fat to pass up.

The Bulls haven’t played a lot recently and weren’t at full strength during those games anyhow. I could see the Bulls needing a game or two before finding their rhythm and the Pacers stealing this game outright.

Against the spread

Definitely BET the PACERS +6.5 (-102), heavier than or instead of, their money line.

Indiana has been bet by sharp money early, in fact, the Pacers opened up as 8.5-point underdogs before being steamed down to the current number.

Also, this is just a “better spot” for Indiana who has covered four straight vs. the Bulls in Chicago and has covered six of its past seven games as a road underdog.

Over/Under

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Over 218.5 (-112) because the Over has cashed in five of the past seven Pacers-Bulls meetings.

However, we’d be getting to the party way late on the Over since the total has been increased from the 215.5-point opener. Plus Indiana has gone Under the total in seven straight as a road underdog.

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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Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and prediction

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

The Houston Rockets (10-20) visit the Windy City Monday to play the Chicago Bulls (18-10) at United Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Rockets vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Houston broke out of a two-game slump by beating the Pistons in Detroit 116-107 as a 1-point road favorite Saturday.

The Rockets are 3-4 straight-up (SU), 5-2 ATS and 5-2 O/U over the past two weeks with the 22nd-ranked non-garbage time net rating (minus-4.3 points per 100 possessions), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Chicago got past the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 as a 7-point home favorite Sunday after having two games postponed last week.

The Bulls are 2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS and 2-2 O/U over the last 14 days with the 26th-ranked non-garbage time net rating (minus-7.2 points per 100 possessions), per CTG.

Houston upset Chicago 118-113 as a 9.5-point home underdog in their first meeting this season (Nov. 24) with the Over cashing on the 217.5-point total. Bulls’ second-leading scorer G Zach LaVine put up a game-high 28 points but will be sidelined for this matchup after landing on the NBA’s COVID list.

Rockets 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 12:09 p.m. ET.

Money line: Rockets +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Bulls -320 (bet $320 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Rockets +7.5 (-122) | Bulls -7.5 (-102)
Over/Under (O/U): 222.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Rockets at Bulls key injuries

Rockets

PG Armoni Brooks (ankle) questionable
SG Jalen Green (hamstring) out
PG Kevin Porter (thigh) out

Bulls

SG Zach LaVine (health and safety protocols) out
PF Derrick Jones (hamstring) doubtful

Rockets at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Rockets 115, Bulls 111

Money line

Slight “LEAN” to the ROCKETS (+250) for a tiny wager — if at all — because we are seeing some reverse line movement with the money line market and the Bulls, already undermanned, are coming off a tough home win over the Lakers Sunday.

Roughly 80% of the action is on Chicago’s money line but that number has been lowered from the -320 opener to the current price according to Pregame.com. It’s a red flag whenever you see sportsbooks make the more popular side cheaper.

Furthermore, the Rockets beat the Bulls when they had LaVine in the lineup. Not only is LaVine sidelined for this game but Chicago will be without two of his backups as well.

If it’s “either/or” then take Houston plus the points instead but I’ll “SPRINKLE” on the ROCKETS (+250) for a lite wager also.

Against the spread

Definitely BET the ROCKETS +7.5 (-122) heavier than or instead of their money line because Houston is 3-0 ATS with a plus-7.5 spread differential when playing with a rest advantage.

We are also seeing a Pros vs. Joe’s scenario in the betting market since nearly 90% of the cash wagered is on the Rockets but close to 60% of the bets placed are on the Bulls. Typically, in sports betting, it’s wise to follow the money especially when it’s flowing in the opposite direction as the public.

On top of that, Chicago is dealing with a myriad of COVID-related absences whereas Houston’s rotation has been in flux since preseason so the Rockets are accustomed to playing shorthanded as is.

Again, the ROCKETS +7.5 (-122) is my favorite wager in this contest.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the OVER 222.5 (-112) because Houston has the eighth-best non-garbage time offensive rating over the past two weeks and Chicago has allowed at least 110 points in each of its past three games. Plus the Rockets have gone Over the total five of their last six games.

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.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Bulls (17-9) head to South Beach Saturday for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off against the Miami Heat (15-11) at FTX Center. Below, we look at the Bulls vs. Heat odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

Chicago had its four-game win streak snapped Wednesday with a 115-92 loss at the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bulls are 4-2 straight-up (SU), 4-2 ATS and 3-3 O/U over the last two weeks with the 10th-best efficiency differential according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CtG).

Miami upset the Milwaukee Bucks 113-104 as a 6.5-point home underdog Thursday but is just 3-4 SU in its last seven games. The Heat are 3-4 ATS and 4-3 O/U with the 25th-best efficiency differential over the past two weeks (CtG).

The Heat won the first regular-season meeting with the Bulls 107-104 in Chicago Nov. 27 as 1-point road favorites and the Over cashed on a 209.5-point total. However, both teams were at full health whereas each is missing a plethora of contributors for this meeting.

Bulls at Heat odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:20 p.m. ET.

Money line: Bulls -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Heat -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Bulls +1.5 (-122) | Heat -1.5 (-102)
Over/Under (O/U): 209.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Bulls at Heat key injuries

Bulls

SG Alex Caruso (hamstring) questionable
SF DeMar DeRozan (health and safety protocols) out
SF Derrick Jones (health and safety protocols) out
PG Coby White (health and safety protocols) out

Heat

SG Duncan Robinson (quadriceps) probable
C Bam Adebayo (thumb) out
SF Jimmy Butler (back) out

Bulls at Heat odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Heat 109, Bulls 104

Money line

“LEAN” to the HEAT (-110) because they are 6-2 SU as an underdog with a plus-5.1 scoring margin. I also trust Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra to get more out of his shorthanded roster than Chicago head coach Billy Donovan.

Miami was deeper even before Chicago’s COVID-related absences. The Heat have the fifth-highest scoring bench in the NBA with the fifth-best plus/minus whereas the Bulls had the second-worst scoring bench.

DeRozan ranks 93rd percentile of wings in on/off efficiency differential and he scored a game-high 28 points on 57.9% shooting in the first Bulls-Heat meeting this season.

Moreover, Miami does a good job defending how Chicago plays. The Bulls run a lot of action through pick-and-roll (PnR) offense and attempt the most long-mid-range jumpers (per CtG), but the Heat play good PnR defense and have the best defensive field goal percentage versus long-mid-range jumpers.

The reason why I only “LEAN” to the HEAT (-110) is that the Bulls have by far the best player on the floor in G Zach LaVine. I’m high on LaVine this season and he’s ascended to one of the best 20 players in the NBA.

Against the spread

PASS since Miami’s money line is only 8 cents on the dollar pricier than the Heat -1.5 (-102) so there’s no use in fussing with the points in this game.

That said, the trend of Miami’s 7-1 ATS record as an underdog with a plus-10.1 ATS margin applies here since this game is priced as a coin-flip.

Over/Under

PASS since it’s hard to predict how these teams will operate with all the missing players.

The previous three Bulls-Heat games have gone Over the total and I think there’s a better chance of a shootout than a rock-fight in this one, but I don’t have a strong enough conviction in that to bet it.

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

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers odds, picks and prediction

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

The Chicago Bulls (17-8) stop by the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Wednesday for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off against the Cleveland Cavaliers (13-12). Below, we look at the Bulls vs. Cavaliers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

Chicago has won five of its past six games (5-1 ATS) including four straight over the Charlotte Hornets, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Denver Nuggets. The Bulls are 17-8 ATS and 11-14 O/U with the fourth-best net rating.

Cleveland has lost back-to-back games, falling to the Utah Jazz and at the Milwaukee Bucks, following a four-game winning streak. The Cavs are 18-7 ATS and 10-15 O/U with the eighth-best net rating.

The Cavs won and covered two of their three meetings with the Bulls last season and the Under was 2-1 in those contests.

Also see:

Bulls at Cavaliers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:53 p.m. ET.

Money line: Bulls +133 (bet $100 to win $133) | Cavaliers -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Bulls +3.5 (-108) | Cavaliers -3.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 211.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Bulls at Cavaliers key injuries

Bulls

SG Alex Caruso (hamstring) out
SF DeMar DeRozan (health and safety protocols) out
SF Javonte Green (health and safety protocols) out
PG Cody White (health and safety protocols) out

Cavaliers

None

Bulls at Cavaliers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Cavaliers 109, Bulls 103

Money line

PASS since I’m on Cleveland laying the points, but the Cavaliers (-165) is a little out of my price range. This feels like the oddsmakers are setting a trap for Bulls bettors.

In fact, the “wiseguys” aren’t falling for the trap and this is a “Pros vs. Joe’s” spot in the betting market. According to Pregame.com, slightly more cash is on Cleveland’s money line whereas way more wagers have been placed on Chicago. Typically, you want to follow the money when it fades the public.

Chicago enters off of four straight impressive victories and is playing a Cleveland team most of the NBA community believes isn’t as good as its record indicates.

Against the spread

BET CAVALIERS -3.5 (-112) for 1 unit because the Bulls lack depth and have several contributors sidelined at the moment. Chicago’s bench scores the second-fewest points per game (PPG) and the Bulls are without three starters including their second-leading scorer.

Also, the Cavs have a unique setup and third-year PG Darius Garland is blossoming into an All-Star. Cleveland has three players in its frontcourt that stand 6-foot-11 or taller, all with different skillsets. Plus, Garland is averaging career highs in PPG, assists per game and effective field-goal shooting.

On top of that, we are seeing some “reverse line movement” toward Cleveland as more money is on Chicago, but the Cavs have been steamed up from a pick ’em on the look-ahead line to the current price. This is just further proof of this being a “trap game.”

Over/Under

PASS since my predicted score aligns perfectly with Tipico Sportsbook‘s projected total, so there’s not a lot of value in my betting this number. If anything, I’d lean to the Under because Chicago is down some serious firepower and Cleveland plays at the 23rd-fastest pace.

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

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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