The Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors will play in an inter-conference matchup on Friday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Bulls-Warriors prediction and pick.
The Bulls and Warriors enter play Friday as two of the better teams in the NBA so far this season. Golden State is an astonishing 10-1 to start the season, and the aura of their dynasty from years past may be creeping in the door at the Chase Center. Stephen Curry has been electric as always, and a new of both new and old pieces has the Warriors sitting with the best record in the NBA early in the 2021-22 season. The Bulls have hit the ground running with new additions Lonzo Ball and Demar DeRozan, and sit with a 8-3 record, which is tied with the Washington Wizards for best record in the Eastern Conference. The Warriors come in as sound favorites in this matchup.
Here's how bookmakers have set the Bulls-Warriors odds for this Friday night matchup.
NBA Odds: Bulls-Warriors Odds
Chicago Bulls +5.5 (-110)
Golden State Warriors -5.5 (-11o)
Over 222 points (-110)
Under 222 points (-110)
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Why The Bulls Can Cover The Spread
Article Continues BelowChicago ranks third in the NBA in net rating, as again they have truly been one of the best teams in the NBA so far this season. The Bulls are sixth in both offensive and defensive efficiency early in the year. Lonzo Ball has done a nice job coming in and running the offense, helping Zach LaVine enjoy the best start to his career. LaVine averages 25.9 points per game, and yet is still not the Bulls' leading scorer so far. DeRozan is averaging 26.0 points per game, and shooting 48.8% from the floor. These two wings have powered Chicago's offensive attack, and give them a good chance to cover vs. the Warriors.
The Bulls will be without Nikola Vucevic on Friday, as he is listed as out. This could not be the worst thing vs. Golden State however, as smaller, more switchable defenders are often more deployable vs. the Warriors.
Why The Warriors Can Cover The Spread
Golden State has hands down been the best team in the league to this point in the season, ranking first in defensive rating and third in offensive efficiency. Curry remains the nucleus of the offense, flying around the court and creating advantages for his teammates with all of the attention he draws. With his 50-point, 10-assist game vs. the Atlanta Hawks earlier this week, Curry could be primed for another offensive explosion in this national TV matchup on Friday.
Draymond Green is questionable for Golden State, so check his final status before placing any bets on the Warriors. If Green is unable to go, the Warriors defense changes tremendously. This could be an issue vs. a very good Bulls offense.
Final Bulls-Warriors Prediction & Pick
Take the Bulls to cover, tentatively. Additionally, if Green is ruled out for the Warriors, also take the over.
FINAL BULLS-WARRIORS PREDICTION & PICK: Bulls -5.5 (-110), over 222 (-110) if Draymond Green is OUT