Chicago Bulls vs Dallas Mavericks odds, what to watch for

The Chicago Bulls will look to break out of their slump tonight in Dallas. Here are the latest odds and things to watch for.

The Chicago Bulls are fighting hard for a spot in the playoffs but are currently riding out a three-game losing streak. Unfortunately for them, a generational talent is waiting to surgically dissect their defense in Dallas tonight. Playing the Mavs on the road isn’t what you want if you’re the Bulls right now.

Which team will miss their European star the most?

Kristaps Porzingis is inactive tonight and Lauri Markkanen is doubtful. Assuming Markkanen sits, it’ll be interesting to see which team misses their stretch-big the most.

Porzingis is clearly a more important piece than Markkanen this season. He’s the second-best player on a title contender and a fantastic Robin to Luka Doncic’s Batman.

Markkanen, on the other hand, is the second-fiddle on a team trying to find their way. That’s still an important role, but Porzingis will likely have the opportunity to swing a playoff series this season — Markkanen probably won’t.

Tonight, Markkanen’s absence might be felt the most, though.

The Bulls are already one of the worst offensive teams in the league. Without Markkanen stretching the floor, the offense might be even uglier than usual. Thaddeus Young doesn’t exactly have the same type of impact that Markkanen has.

On the flip side, the Mavs will be fine without Porzingis tonight. They’re a complete team built around Luka, and they should be able to make up for Porzingis’ offensive firepower against a thin Bulls squad.

I’m guessing the Bulls will miss Markkanen tonight more than the Mavs will miss Porzingis.

Bulls odds against Mavericks

• Favorite: Mavericks (-9.5)
• Over/under: 217
• Moneyline: +370 Bulls/-500 Mavericks

All odds are courtesy of The Action Network and are current as of 3:30 pm CT.

Analyzing the spread

This is a tough game to bet on. Luka Doncic is a top-5 player in the league, and the Mavs have lost three of their last four games. They need a win tonight. But winning by double digits? That’s tough.

The Bulls have done a nice job of keeping games close lately. They’ve only lost by 10 or more points twice in their last 17 games.

I like the Bulls’ chances of keeping things tight tonight. They’ve been feisty lately and Zach LaVine should be able to take advantage of an iffy Dallas defense. I think the Bulls will lose but not by much.

The game tips off at 7:30 pm CT.