Bulls vs. Hornets Odds
| Bulls Odds | -2 |
| Hornets Odds | +2 |
| Over/Under | 231 |
| Time | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
| Odds via PointsBet. Get up-to-the-minute NBA odds here. | |
Both the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets have been struggling lately to find the wins. With only a few more games left until the All-Star break, this would be a nice time to get on a little run before the break for both teams.
The total is one of the highest on the board Wednesday and this should be a track meet, which will be very exciting to watch. But with such a close spread, there may be more value betting a side in this Eastern conference clash.
Let's dive into how where the value is for tonight's matchup.
Can the Bulls Get Back on Track?
Despite losing seven of their last nine games, the Chicago Bulls are only 1.5 games back of the tightly contested top of the Eastern Conference. They are 33-21 overall, but have a record of just 14-13 on the road this season.
Betting the over in Bulls games has been the most profitable route to take lately. The over has hit in seven consecutive Bulls games and in 30 of their 54 games this season. They have also done a fantastic job of covering the spread as favorites. The Bulls have covered 22 of their 34 games in that scenario.
They are still led by their fantastic trio of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic. All three have shown signs of domination lately. DeRozan is averaging a team-high 27.2 points per game while shooting an absurd 50.6% from the field.
LaVine isn't too far behind DeRozan in points, but most of his come from the perimeter where he is making a team-high 2.9 3-pointers per game. Vucevic is the man in the middle who is averaging a double-double for the fifth-straight season with 17.5 points and 11.6 rebounds per game.
The point guard position has been an unlucky one for the Bulls this season. They are had so many injuries from Lonzo Ball to Alex Caruso and most recently Ayo Dosunmu who has been a cash cow with his assists props. Coby White will likely start at point guard tonight for the Bulls.
This matchup against the Charlotte Hornets is one of the best that an opposing team will get. They rank 24th in Defensive Rating and second in Pace this season. They have allowed 114.2 points per game which ranks third-most in the league. Defense seems to be optional for this Hornets team and the Bulls veterans should be able to take advantage in this matchup.
Which Hornets Team Will Show up Tonight?
Similar to the Bulls, the Charlotte Hornets have lost five-straight games as they have fallen down to ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. Still firmly in the playoff picture at 28-27, but this would be a nice game to win at home.
Opposite of the Bulls, the under bet has been very profitable for the Hornets. The under has hit in 12 of their last 16 games and in 11 of their last 12 games as underdogs which they are tonight. Overall on the season the Hornets have also done a great job covering the spread in 22 of their 37 games as underdogs.
They do have a little bit of injury news to cover as well. Gordon Hayward will be out tonight as he left last game due to an ankle injury. Apparently he will be out indefinitely which is not a great sign. Other than Hayward, Coby Martin and Jalen McDaniels are also out tonight. Not elite options, but good role players.
The Hornets are led by first-time All Star LaMelo Ball who is having a stellar sophomore campaign. Ball is averaging 19.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. The main problem with Ball's game right now is consistency. Over the last three games, Ball is shooting just 34.1% from the field and has had six or more turnovers and five fouls in two of those games. He is reckless.
This matchup against the Bulls is an average spot to be honest. They rank 21st in Defensive Rating and are in the middle of the pack in terms of Pace. Most of their extremely good perimeter defenders are out tonight, which certainly helps the Hornets. It's all just a matter of being consistent and they lack that.
Bulls-Hornets Pick
There is a popular trend going on in the NBA right now. The chalk is hitting everywhere. NBA favorites over the last four days are now 28-1 straight-up and 26-2-1 against the spread. This spread is super close, but I like the Bulls in this matchup now that they are healthy. This trio will be very difficult to stop.
They won pretty convincingly in their last matchup and I think we get a similar output tonight, despite this game being in Charlotte. This spread may move. With how NBA is right now a trade could happen a few hours before tip.
Trust in the trio — they all had 25 or more points in their last meeting and I expect a similar outcome tonight. I already bet the Bull -1, but I think there's value on Chicago at the current number.
Pick: Bulls -2 (Up to -5)
