The Chicago Bulls are back in action at home for a matchup with the Charolette Hornets on Thursday night. The 45-35 Bulls are in sixth place in the East and the 41-39 Hornets are in 10th.
Chicago is 2-0 against the Hornets this season and are looking to complete the series sweep. They won the first matchup in November by 14 points at the United Center and the second matchup by 12.
The Hornets have been one of the best offensive teams in the NBA this season, currently fifth in the league in that category. Miles Bridges has led the way for the Hornets, averaging 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists per game.
Charolette will be without Gordon Hayward (foot). Lonzo Ball (knee) is out for the Bulls.
Chicago Bulls vs. Charolette Hornets betting odds, spread, over/under
According to WynnBET, the Bulls are a two-point favorite (bet $110 to win $100) against the Hornets and -130 on the moneyline (bet $130 to win $100). Charolette is +110 on the moneyline (bet $100 to win $110) as the two-point underdogs. The over/under is set at 234 points (bet $110 to win $100 for both).
Chicago Bulls vs. Charolette Hornets Prediction
The Bulls need a pick-me-up game. They are riding a three-game losing streak and have been blown out in each contest. They haven’t been able to manufacture easy looks for their stars, and their role players have been missing in action.
As the playoffs are around the corner, the Bulls will need some type of momentum if they’re going to compete with the No. 3 seed in the first round. The Hornets can be a prep test for the Bulls’ defense.
Charolette plays high-tempo basketball led by their star guard, LaMelo Ball. He’s the catalyst for everything that goes right in their offense. As a second-year player, he still has problems with shot selection, however. Chicago will have to limit them to one shot per possession, not allowing Ball a second chance at manufacturing good looks. They will also have to make it hard for him to set others up by applying high-intensity ball pressure. Without Ball leading the way, the rest of the team struggles to get off good looks.
Chicago hasn’t had great games against opponents that are equal or better. Lucky for them, Charolette isn’t a great. They have great offensive runs but don’t play defense. As long as the Bulls are able to score, they will be in the game. The team who decides to play defense will win.
We’re taking the Bulls -2 and over 234.
Chicago 135, Charolette 120
Chicago Bulls vs. Charolette Hornets TV channel
The Bulls-Hornets game won’t be broadcast on national television, but it will be available on NBC Chicago and the Bally Sports South. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. CT.
Chicago Bulls schedule and upcoming games
Chicago will end the regular season on the road before the playoffs begin:
- Apr. 10 at Timberwolves