Chicago Bulls vs LA Lakers betting tips and predictions for Monday’s NBA clash. The Chicago Bulls look to complete the sweep of the Staples Center as they take on the Los Angeles Lakers. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Chicago Bulls Odds
After a 26-point beatdown at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, the Chicago Bulls bounced back with an impressive win against the LA Clippers last night. It finished 100-90 in favor of Chicago and the Clippers 7-game win streak came to an end. DeMar DeRozan scored 35 to lead the way, while Zach LaVine added 29 of his own for the first Bulls win at Staples against the Clippers in almost 7 years. Now it’s time to try and end another streak – the Bulls haven’t beaten the Lakers in the last 8 meetings and they are just 5-13 in their last 18 road games against them.
Los Angeles Lakers
There’s still no word whether or not LeBron James might make a return here as he still recovers from a groin injury. The Lakers didn’t need him last night as they ran over the San Antonio Spurs 114-106. Anthony Davis had 34 points and 15 rebounds and Russell Westbrook added 14 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists. The Lakers also welcomed back Talen Horton-Tucker into the line-up, he made an instant impact with 17 points. The team is improving with each game, however they are still far away from where they want to be with a couple of key assets still being out injured. LA has covered just 5 times in their last 17 games.
This is a difficult game to call, but for some reason I’m leaning towards the Bulls here. Their wing guys DeRozan and LaVine will have an easy night scoring-wise as Russell Westbrook handicaps his team so much on defense it’s laughable. The Lakers have the advantage at center with AD, but the question is will they know how to use him. After last night’s win against the Clippers the Bulls have convinced me they are for real. Let’s back Chicago to cover.
Los Angeles Lakers – Chicago Bulls Odds
Los Angeles Lakers – Chicago Bulls Predictions
Bulls +1 Points Spread is available at -110 odds on bet365
Although the Clippers scored just 90 on them last night, I think the Lakers will go over that, or at least they’ll try. With Russell Westbrook handling the point-guard duties, this team plays at the fastest pace in the NBA. That showed even last night when they scored 114 against the Spurs, it was the 3rd time in their last 4 games they’ve put up 114 points or more. The Lakers and Bulls have gone over the total in 2 of the last 3 meetings and they’ve averaged 217.6 points between them in those games. LA’s games against Eastern Conference opponents have finished over the total 10 times in the last 14 played. Losing Vucevic is a hit on the offensive firepower of the Bulls, but I think they have enough to compensate for that. Lakers will rely a lot on Carmelo Anthony for scoring, when he plays their defense is just way worse than usual. Chicago will know how to take advantage, so I think the smart play here is to back the over.
Over 218.5 Total Points is available at -110 odds on bet365
