Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons Betting Picks, Lines Odds & Predictions
The Bulls will try to keep their playoff hopes alive as they visit the Pistons on Sunday night. Right now, Chicago is three games behind Indiana at the 10th place and will need a small miracle if they are to be a part of the postseason. They made strides in the right direction by winning their last two games against the Celtics and the Hornets. However, prior to that mini-streak, the Bulls won only 4 in 15 games.
Overall, they’re 28-39 straight up and 34-32-1 against the spread. Detroit’s postseason hopes are long gone and most of their focus is on getting the best possible draft pick. In their last 15 games, the Pistons lost 11 times. Right now, Detroit owns the second-worst record in the league with 20-48. Against the spread, they’re 34-30-4. This will be the third game between these two teams this season. The Bulls won both of the previous matchups.
Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons Betting Odds & Line Movement
Most sportsbooks have the Bulls as -8.5 road favorites, although the -9 line is available at some bookies. The total dropped a bit from the opening 220.5 and now stands at 219.
Notes On The Chicago Bulls
The Bulls went all-in at the trade deadline and made a couple of win-now moves acquiring Nikola Vucevic and Daniel Theiss among others. However, it took some time for the roster to click and now they find themselves with only slim chances of making the playoffs. The injury to Zach LaVine also played a big part in their run of bad form.
Chicago’s leading scorer missed 11 games over the last 20 days. But, his return to the lineup immediately resulted in 2 straight wins for the Bulls. On Friday night, they easily disposed of the Celtics, winning 121-99. LaVine scored 25 as did Coby White who was excellent from the deep hitting 7 threes. Vucevic had a second triple-double of the season with 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Coach Donovan has an almost full roster to choose from tonight. The only unavailable player is Troy Brown Jr. who is nursing an ankle injury.
Notes On The Detroit Pistons
The Pistons went into the season with a mostly new lineup and low expectations. They’re in the full tanking mode at the moment aiming for a high draft pick to add to their selection of young talent. They lost 5 games out of the last 6. Also, the Pistons covered only once in their last 6 games against Eastern Conference teams. Detroit is on the second night of a back-to-back and has a dismal 3-12 record in those situations this season. Last night they lost to the 76ers 118-104. The Pistons were 17 points behind after the 1st quarter and never really threatened Philly. Jerami Grant and Saddiq Bay led the scoring with 14 points each.
Dennis Smith Jr. and Rodney McGruder are unavailable for tonight’s game. Josh Jackson and Hamidou Diallo are listed as questionable.
Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons Betting Pick & Prediction:Chicago -8.5
Detroit has no interest in winning at this stage of the season while Chicago has to win to continue to put the pressure on Indiana. They looked pretty good with both LaVine and Vucevic on the floor and should cruise to an easy win tonight. The Bulls have won the last 6 meeting s between the two, covering 5 times.
