The Chicago Bulls are back in action at home for a matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night. The 44-32 Bulls are in fifth place in the East and the 37-39 LA Clippers are in eighth.
Chicago is 1-0 against the Clippers this season. They won the first matchup in November by 10 at the then-Staples Center (which is now Crypto.com Arena).
The Clippers are coming off a great win against the Utah Jazz, where they were down as much as 25 points in the second half. Paul George made his return against Utah, scoring 20 points in the third quarter and leading LA to the win.
He led the way with 34 points while Reggie Jackson and Luke Kennard finished with 21 and 17.
LA will be without Kawhi Leonard (knee), Norman Powell (foot), Jason Preston (foot), Jay Scrubb (foot). Brandon Boston Jr. is day-to-day.
Lonzo Ball (knee) is out for the Bulls.
Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Clippers betting odds, spread, over/under
According to WynnBET, the Bulls are a 3-point favorite (bet $110 to win $100) against the Clippers and -160 on the moneyline (bet $160 to win $100). LA is +130 on the moneyline (bet $100 to win $130) as the 3-point underdogs. The over/under is set at 221 points (bet $110 to win $100 for both).
Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Clippers Prediction
The Bulls are dangling on the ropes right now. Though they’ve secured the season series over the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors, both teams are trying to catch Chicago — Toronto currently the sixth seed and the Cavs are seventh. The final six games are all must-wins in order for the Bulls to avoid the Eastern Conference play-in tournament. They have a tough final stretch that starts with LA.
Chicago will not only need to come out with high intensity — they will have to stay consistent with their effort. The Clippers don’t give up. They can be down 30 points and will continue to play in a relentless manner, which is why they lead the NBA in double-digit comeback victories.
They also get production from their entire team. On any given night, any of the role players can step up and have a big game. Terance Mann, Luke Kennard, Marcus Morris, Nicolas Batum and Reggie Jackson have all had career seasons without George and Leonard. With George, they will have the luxury of not seeing primary defenders, and possibly being left open if George demands a double team.
Chicago hasn’t had great games against opponents that are equal or better. While the Wizards game seemed to be improvement, Washington isn’t a good team. We can’t bet on the Bulls against a team with a spark of fire power, especially one as drastic as George’s late-season return. We’re taking the Clippers -3.5 and over 221.
Chicago 110, Los Angeles 120
Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Clippers TV channel
The Bulls-Cavaliers game won’t be broadcast on national television, but it will be available on NBC Chicago and the Bally Sports West. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 PM CT.
Chicago Bulls schedule and upcoming games
Chicago is set to stay home for four more game before ending the season on the road:
- Apr. 2 vs Heat
- Apr. 5 vs Bucks
- Apr. 6 vs Celtics
- Apr. 8 vs Hornets
- Apr. 10 at Timberwolves