Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks betting tips and predictions for Monday’s game on NBA TV. Two Eastern Conference teams clash at State Farm Arena in Atlanta tonight as the Hawks host the Chicago Bulls in the 1st game of our double-header. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Chicago Bulls
With a 113-105 win over the Indiana Pacers last night, the Chicago Bulls are finally back on track. Most of their players have cleared the health and safety protocols and this team can now fully focus on continuing their season. Zach LaVine scored 32 points in his return, while DeMar DeRozan and big man Nikola Vucevic added 24 points plus 16 and 15 rebounds respectfully. Just hours before the game we learned that point guard Lonzo Ball will not be playing due to health and safety protocols, he is expected to miss an extended period of time. If the Bulls play like they did last night though, they won’t feel his absence that much. They are 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games and have won 8 of 11 overall. Against Atlanta they are 5-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Atlanta Hawks
Unless they get somebody back from quarantine ahead of this game, the Atlanta Hawks could be in real trouble here as 10 of their players are currently out. This team struggled heavily against the Knicks on Christmas Day as they managed to score only 87 points. John Collins led the way with 20 points, but he too is now in the health and safety protocols. It’ll be up to the likes of Bogdan Bogdanovic, Clint Capella and Cam Reddish to try and steal one at home against the Bulls. This team is only 2-5 ATS in the last 7 games, at home they’ve failed to cover in their last 8 games. Their record playing on Monday is a staggering 8-2 SU in the last 10 games, however it’s hard to see them winning here with so many players being out.
I’d advise waiting for the Hawks injury report before making any bets here, but even if they get a player or two back the chemistry has been affected with the long layoffs. Chicago on the other hand is playing well, aside from Lonzo and Caruso they are almost back to full strength. I’d back the Bulls to cover here.
Atlanta Hawks – Chicago Bulls Predictions & Odds
Chicago -5.0 Point Spread is available at -110 odds on bet365
Scoring only 87 points against New York and then losing the player who scored 20 of those points is a tough punch to the gut. The Hawks are facing all kinds of issues right now, especially on the offensive end. Their highest scoring player available right now is Bogdanovic who is scoring just 11.3 points per game, but he also isn’t back at 100% following a long layoff due to injury. Atlanta is averaging only 94.3 points per game over their last 3 contests, almost 20 points less than their 112.2 per game average at home this season. The Bulls are the complete opposite of that. They are averaging 120.3 per game in their last 3 and with the return of LaVine and Vucevic, they are only going to get better on both ends of the court. The last 6 of 10 meetings have gone under between these two teams, including 2 of the 3 most recent games. With Atlanta playing only the 19th fastest pace in the NBA and Chicago ranking just 4 spots above them, I think we are in for a lower scoring game here. The Hawks simply won’t score enough to get us over the total. Back the under.
Under 211.5 Total Points is available at -110 odds on bet365
