The Chicago Bulls scored a big 129-123 overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. Chicago is still three games back of the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and starts a four-game road trip Thursday night against the lowly Memphis Grizzlies as favorites.
Memphis has lost six consecutive games, including three by double figures after a 123-113 defeat against the New York Knicks on Tuesday. The Grizzlies completed a deal with the Celtics on Wednesday for a pair of first-round picks, sending Xavier Tillman to Boston.
Here’s the betting preview for Thursday’s cross-conference clash with a best bet.
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Bulls vs. Grizzlies odds, spread and total
Bulls vs. Grizzlies how to watch
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 8
- Game time: 8 p.m. EST
- Venue: FedEx Forum
- How to watch (TV): Bally Sports
- Bulls record: 24-27
- Grizzlies record: 18-33
Bulls vs. Grizzlies injury reports
Chicago Bulls
- Torrey Craig (ankle): questionable
- Dalen Terry (ankle): probable
- Alex Caruso (thigh): probable
- Coby White (ankle): probable
Memphis Grizzlies
- Lamar Stevens (recently traded): out
- Ziaire Williams (hand): doubtful
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (hip): questionable
- Derrick Rose (ankle): questionable
Bulls vs. Grizzlies key players to watch
Bulls
Coby White: The former first-round pick is averaging 19.4 points per game and is probable on Thursday’s injury report. White has been on fire of late, averaging 31.3 points over the last three games. White’s shooting 50% from beyond the arc (15-of-30) from beyond the arc in that stretch and is coming off a 33-point night in Chicago’s overtime win over Minnesota.
Grizzlies
GG Jackson: The Grizzlies are obvious sellers at the NBA Trade Deadline and have dealt with injuries and Jackson needs to take advantage of extended minutes. Jackson had 18 points against Boston Feb. 4 and 16 points in Tuesday’s loss at Madison Square Garden. He’s averaging 8.9 points per game and has scored in double figures in five of the last six games.
Bulls vs. Grizzlies prediction and pick
Chicago is riding high after knocking off the Timberwolves, but can they win with margin on the road? Typically, laying points on the road with sub-par teams is a recipe for disaster, but Chicago has been great as a road favorite, going 5-2 ATS.
The Bulls have beaten up on bad teams, too. Chicago is just 10-21 against clubs with winning records and 14-6 against teams with a below .500 record.
Memphis has punted on this season with a slew of injuries and will likely be on the phone all day Thursday leading up to the 3 p.m. EST trade deadline. Chicago’s defense should have its way against a Memphis offense that is last in the NBA in offensive rating (107.4) and 29th in the true shooting percentage.
Chicago’s defense is No. 1 in the NBA in points in the paint and are good at limiting opportunities in transition, ranking 10th in fast-break points allowed. The Bulls start their road trip off right. Take Chicago.
Game odds update periodically and are subject to change.