The Chicago Bulls will take on the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Bulls-Wizards prediction and pick.
The Bulls have a surprising amount at stake here. After a whirlwind start to the season, Chicago has fallen all the way to fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. They're currently tied for that seed with the Toronto Raptors. Every game left on the schedule is crucial if the Bulls want to avoid falling even further in the standings.
The Wizards, on the other hand, don't have much to play for. They will almost certainly miss the postseason once again, but they would love to play spoiler in this game. Dealing a loss to an Eastern Conference rival would be a highlight to what has been a tough second half of the season for the Wizards.
Here are the Bulls-Wizards odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Bulls-Wizards Odds
Chicago Bulls: -4 (-110)
Washington Wizards: +4 (-110)
Over: 222 (-110)
Under: 222 (-110)
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Why The Bulls Could Cover The Spread
As always, the Bulls will rely on their offense to win them this game. Chicago has been one of the better offensive teams in the league this season, posting 111 points per game on some of the best shooting percentages in the NBA. The Bulls shoot a whopping 48% from the field, while also shooting 37% from 3-point range. Those numbers should play well against a middling Wizards defense. Washington isn't awful on defense, but they definitely aren't good. They allow 111 points per game while giving up a 35% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. That lines up perfectly with what the Bulls love to do, so expect a good offensive showing from Chicago here to help get them out of a slump.
The talent difference between these teams is staggering. The Wizards will likely deploy a starting five of Tomas Satoransky, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Corey Kispert, Rui Hachimura, and Kristaps Porzingis. That's easily one of the worst starting fives in the entire NBA, and now they have to match up with a highly talented Bulls team. Chicago forward DeMar DeRozan is a legitimate threat to drop 40 points in this matchup. Washington simply doesn't have the firepower to consistently hang around with the Bulls.
Why The Wizards Could Cover The Spread
This is the exact type of game the Bulls have been awful against the spread in. Chicago is a measly 15-23-1 ATS as the away team, compared to a 24-12 record against the spread at home. It helps that the Bulls have a 17-22 record on the road overall, and that they've gone 2-8 in their last 10 road games. The Wizards are a respectable 18-18-1 ATS at home, with a 9-9 record as home underdogs. Overall, this is far from the worst spot to pick the Wizards in.
Injuries have been a problem for the Bulls all season, and this game is no different on the second of a back-to-back after losing to the New York Knicks on Monday.. Lonzo Ball is still out, while star guard Zach LaVine is questionable because of his ongoing knee issues. Alex Caruso is also probable with a lower back contusion. If LaVine and Caruso are hobbled, that is a problem for Chicago.
Final Bulls-Wizards Prediction & Pick
There's something to be said for momentum, and the Bulls are certainly missing that as they enter this game. They've been playing terrible basketball lately and are still banged up. Take the Wizards to cover here.
Final Bulls-Wizards Prediction & Pick: Washington Wizards: +4 (-110)
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