Chicago Bulls vs Golden State Warriors betting tips and predictions for Friday’s NBA on ESPN game. It’s a marquee match-up in the Bay Area as the 10-1 Golden State Warriors welcome the 8-3 Chicago Bulls. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Chicago Bulls
Turns out the Bulls can win games even if their offseason acquisition DeMar DeRozan plays somewhat bad. He finished with only 17 points on 7-for-20 shooting against the Mavs, but 4 other Bulls players stepped up and took care of business 117-107 against Dallas. That’s not the only issue Chicago is facing right now. Their center Nikola Vucevic has been placed in the health and safety protocols and will be out for tonight. The timing of this couldn’t be worse as the Bulls rely on him for double-digit points and rebounds on a nightly basis. Facing Golden State is always a challenge, this team hasn’t beaten them in the last 8 attempts.
Golden State Warriors
With 6 wins in a row and a 10-1 record, the Warriors currently sit atop of the Western Conference. They’ve dropped just 1 game from 8 at Chase Center so far and things are looking bright all-around for the Dubs. One thing that could hinder them against Chicago could be the absence of Draymond Green. He left the previous game against the Timberwolves with a thing injury and is questionable for tonight. Him not being around would be a big blow to the Warriors ambitions, even more so than what missing Vucevic means for Chicago. Even without him though, it’s tough to disregard a Stephen Curry led team. Golden State has covered in each of it’s last 6 games against the Bulls and they’ve done so in their last 5 of 6 games overall.
I’ve been impressed with the Bulls so far this season, but winning at Golden State takes a special kind of team to do so. Losing Vucevic is a big blow, it will take some time for them to recover. If you want to beat the best you have to be at your best. Give me the Warriors to cover at home here.
Golden State Warriors – Chicago Bulls Odds
Golden State Warriors – Chicago Bulls Prediction
Golden State -5.5 Point Spread available at -110 odds at bet365
The Warriors have been on a rampage scoring-wise putting up 120+ points in four straight games against the Pelicans, Rockets, Hawks and Timberwolves. The Bulls have had their moments on the defensive end and currently rank as the 5th most defensively efficient team, but stopping the Warriors is no easy task. They are 2nd in the NBA in offensive efficiency and score 111.7 points per 100 possessions while also playing at the 5th fastest pace. When it comes to shooting they rank 3rd in field goal percentage and 4th in three-point percentage. I don’t really have much confidence in either of Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan stopping or even slowing down Stephen Curry. Just two games ago he dropped 50 against the Atlanta Hawks. With Vucevic out of the mix, someone else will have to clog up the middle for Chicago and get all those rebounds. I’m not sure they have a decent replacement at this time which means trouble for the defense. Let’s back the over in this one.
Over 221.5 Total Points is available at -110 odds on bet365
