The Indiana Pacers (37-25) head to the Windy City Friday to play the Chicago Bulls (21-41) at the United Center at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Pacers-Bulls odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
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Pacers at Bulls: Key injuries
Pacers
- PG Malcolm Brogdon (hip) doubtful
- SG Victor Oladipo (knee) questionable
- SG Jeremy Lamb (knee) out
- SF T.J. Warren (leg) questionable
- SF Doug McDermott (foot) questionable
- PF JaKarr Sampson (hip) questionable
Bulls
- PG Zach LaVine (quadricep) out
- PG Kris Dunn (knee) out
- PF Luke Kornet (ankle) out
- SF Chandler Hutchison (shoulder) out
Pacers at Bulls: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Friday at 1:30 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Pacers 105, Bulls 103
Moneyline (ML)
Both teams are coming off road losses on Wednesday — the Pacers (-154) falling 119-100 at Milwaukee on Wednesday and the Bulls (+125) going down in Minnesota 115-108. Indiana has won and covered all three games this season against the Bulls, but this is a rare game this season in which Chicago could be healthier its opponent (though both teams could be without their leading scorers in Warren and LaVine). As much as I’d like to take the home dog here, the Bulls are just 3-12 straight up when getting points at home, losing by an average of 8.4 points. If the Bulls’ moneyline was +150 or above, I’d be more into it. Also, the Pacers are 12-5 with a 5.1-point average margin of victory when laying points on the road.
PASS ON THE MONEYLINE.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
This is always an overly simple thing to say, but please monitor the injury report for this one. If the Pacers are down three starters, the Bulls are very appealing. Currently, I’m saying bet BULLS +3.5 (-115) because of the Pacers’ injury woes and their in-division struggles against the spread. Despite their three straight covers against the Bulls, the Pacers are just 5-7-2 ATS with a -3.9 ATS margin vs. division foes this season. Also, Chicago is 7-7 ATS against Central Division opponents.
Over/Under (O/U)
This is a case of an elite offense (Indiana) going up against a poor defense (Chicago). The Pacers rank seventh in opponents’ points per game and eighth in opponent’s field goal percentage, while the Bulls are 25th in PPG and 24th in FG%. Since both teams could be without their leading scores, I LEAN UNDER 211.5 (-115). It’s only a lean because I am nervous that all the Pacers’ injuries could affect their defense as much as their offense and their combined Over/Under record is 65-58-1.
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