The Chicago Bulls travel to Arizona to take on the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Bulls-Suns prediction and pick.
The Bulls hold an overall record of 19-26 and they are 23-21-1 against the spread. Chicago is coming off a 116-102 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
The Suns’ overall and ATS records are identical at 31-15. Phoenix is coming off a 117-110 win over the Atlanta Hawks last night.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Bulls-Suns odds.
NBA Odds: Bulls-Suns Odds
Chicago Bulls +7.5 (-110)
Phoenix Suns -7.5 (-110)
Over 217 Points (-110)
Under 217 Points (-110)
Why The Bulls Could Cover The Spread
Chicago might not be much to look at record wise, but they've been a pleasant surprise for spread bettors. They are one of only three teams in the Eastern Conference that is below .500 in overall record, but above that in spread record.
The Bulls are particularly impressive on the road. Chicago holds the best spread record in the league when away from the Windy City, coming in at 14-6 ATS.
Billy Donovan's group did all this without the help of newly acquired All-Star Nikola Vucevic. While the trade has not translated to wins just yet, Vucevic has played well in two games with Chicago.
The big man is averaging 21.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting 62% from the field. He has supplied a consistent scoring presence on the post that the Bulls have desperately needed.
Vucevic will be a key to this matchup tonight on both ends. The Suns are excellent perimeter defenders, but give up 46.1 points per game in the painted area, the 11th highest figure in the league. Vucevic will need to punish the Phoenix defenders on the block to stay in this one.
On the other end, Deandre Ayton will be Vooch's primary defensive assignment. The Bulls cannot afford to have both Ayton and Booker shoot the lights out, and will depend on Vucevic to limit the Suns big man.
The Bulls have been surprisingly good at limiting three-point shooters, holding opponents to only 34.9% from three, the fifth lowest percentage in the league. As long as Chicago doesn't get destroyed on the interior, they'll stick around in this one.
Why The Suns Could Cover The Spread
The Suns have been a spread bettors dream all season. They hold the best against the spread record in the NBA at 31-15, and they've covered in three straight home games.
Phoenix has become one of the best teams in the league on the backs of their defense. They have held opponents to only 107.1 points per game, the third lowest total in the NBA.
Three-point shooters have been locked up by the Suns, shooting only 34.2% from deep. The only team that's held opponents to a lower percentage is the New York Knicks.
The Chicago offense has been ice cold of late. In their last five matchups, Chicago has only scored over 1oo points twice, with their highest being 104. Phoenix has another chance to put on a defensive showcase and clamp down on the Bulls.
Another blow to the Bulls offense could come from the injury report. Coby White and Zach LaVine are both questionable tonight, and Billy Donovan was quoted as saying that LaVine's ankle is “not great”.
Without their starting backcourt, the Bulls will be severely handicapped. It's doubtful they'll be able to keep up with a consistent Suns offense.
Phoenix is top ten in the league in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and assists. Behind Chris Paul and Devin Booker, the Suns have two guys that can get a bucket at will.
Assuming LaVine doesn't play, the Bulls will be seriously outgunned tonight.
Final Bulls-Suns Prediction & Pick
Judging by the coaches comments, I don't think LaVine will take the floor tonight. If Coby White and Garrett Temple don't play, the Bulls guards will be Tomas Satoransky, Ryan Arcidiacono, and Denzel Valentine. This is not going to get it done against one of the best teams in the West on their home floor. I'm a little wary of the Suns tendency to give up huge leads to make games close, but I think they finish strong tonight. Phoenix by double digits.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: PHX 119 – CHI 106 (PHX -7.5)
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