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The Chicago Bulls (1-1) welcome the Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0) to United Center Saturday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Thunder vs. Bulls odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting. Thunder won 2-0 last year.
The Thunder beat the Denver Nuggets 102-87 Thursday in their first action of the season, closing as a 2-point road underdog. MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 28 points and 8 assists. Oklahoma City, a team with championship aspirations, won 3 of 4 preseason games and was 2-2 against the spread (ATS) in those.
The Bulls opened the season up with a 123-111 road loss to the New Orleans Pelicans Wednesday, closing as a 5-point road underdog. They then took on the Milwaukee Bucks and won 133-122, closing as a 9.5-point road underdog. G Zach LaVine has been the star of the show so far, scoring 26 points per game and shooting 59.4% from the field. The Bulls were 3-2 and 4-1 ATS in their 5 preseason games.
Thunder at Bulls 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 2:15 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Thunder -450 (bet $450 to win $100) | Bulls +340 (bet $100 to win $340)
- Against the spread (ATS): Thunder -9.5 (-115) | Bulls +9.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 231.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Thunder at Bulls key injuries
Thunder
- C Isaiah Hartenstein (hand) out
- G Jaylin Williams (hamstring) out
- G Kenrich Williams (knee) out
Bulls
- G Lonzo Ball (knee) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Thunder at Bulls picks and predictions
Prediction
Thunder 124, Bulls 116
Moneyline
PASS.
The Thunder are among the best teams in the NBA and beat the Nuggets despite shooting 22% from deep and taking just 12 free throw attempts. Expect them to improve upon those numbers and come out on top in their 2nd game of the season, but at this expensive price, avoid playing them to win outright.
Against the spread
BET BULLS +9.5 (-105).
The Bulls have a lineup that should produce at a more efficient rate than many expect. They have players that can distribute, score and rebound, and that should help them keep pace with the Thunder. This will also be Chicago’s first home game after beating one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, so it should be electric at the United Center.
The Bulls scored 132 points per game in their final 2 preseason games, both at home, and dropped 133 points Friday, so they are coming off a strong performance as well. Expect them to keep playing at a high level and back BULLS +9.5 (-105).
Over/Under
BET OVER 231.5 (-110).
The Bulls have gone Over in both games this season, topping 110 points in each. In both games, both teams have scored 110 or more, so they can score well and also have a lousy defense, allowing 122.5 points per game.
The Thunder went Under against the Nuggets, but Denver was a team that played at the 5th-slowest pace in the NBA. The new additions, like G Josh Giddey, for Chicago should push the pace, and the young OKC side should match that speed.
Expect a high-scoring battle and take OVER 231.5 (-110).
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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