The Chicago Bulls (30-40) and Los Angeles Lakers (43-26) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The game will be broadcast live on NBA League Pass.
The Lakers are 9.5-point favorites over the Bulls on the spread (Lakers -9.5), with the over/under set at 235.5 total points. Los Angeles is a -460 favorite to win outright, while Chicago is +350 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Bulls vs. Lakers predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, March 22.
Bulls vs. Lakers Picks, Prediction
Spread
Over the last few weeks, Chicago has found its best form of the season, winning six of eight contests and covering the spread in seven games. As a result, it deserves a bit better from the market than nearly being a double-digit underdog against the Lakers.
Moneyline
A Bulls' outright victory wouldn't shock me, considering how well they're playing lately. Chicago has won four of the last six head-to-head meetings.
Over/Under
Although we've seen the total move from 231.5 to as high as 235.5, I'm more interested in the Bulls exceeding their team total of 111.5 points, given the underlying value they already have as 10-point underdogs.
My Pick: Bulls +10 (-115)
Bulls vs. Lakers Odds
| Bulls Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+9.5 -110 | 235.5 -110o / -110u | +350 |
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-9.5 -110 | 235.5 -110o / -110u | -460 |
- Bulls vs. Lakers spread: Lakers -9.5
- Bulls vs. Lakers over/under: 235.5 total points
- Bulls vs. Lakers moneyline: Lakers -460, Bulls +350
- Bulls vs. Lakers best bet: Bulls +10 (-115)
My Bulls vs. Lakers best bet is on Chicago to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at Fanatics. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Bulls vs. Lakers Preview
This recent run by the Bulls is nothing to sniff at. They've been competitive in each game while posting double-digit victories over playoff-contending teams like the Pacers and Kings. The midseason trade that sent Zach LaVine to Sacramento as part of a three-team deal might've given the Bulls a bit more balance with PG Tre Jones, G Kevin Huerter, and PF Zach Collins arriving in Chi-Town.
It's worth noting that since their arrival, all three players have combined to average 34.5 points, almost 11 more than Chicago got from LaVine. By no means is it my intention to slight LaVine. After all, any team would gladly welcome a player who averaged 24 points for them. I'm merely highlighting that in addition to the added depth, the Bulls also gained more offensive firepower.
Regretfully, it took Bulls head coach Billy Donovan roughly a month to turn things around, considering they won just two of their next 11 games following the trade. Nonetheless, Donovan is still well-regarded as a head coach, and he even received a contract extension after two years since taking over for the Bulls. His second season was his best in Chicago as the Bulls finished sixth (46-36) in the conference but couldn't get past the Bucks in the first round.
However, given the financial commitment to Donovan, the Bulls appear more interested in the long game than the quick results. Thus, perhaps the Bulls can find something promising in this blended roster they can take into next season.
While I won't dispute the fact that this is a winnable game for the Lakers, my model projects they should be closer to -7.5-point favorites. Since we're getting roughly two points of value at the current number, I'll gladly side with the visitors to keep this game within single digits.
Bulls vs. Lakers Prediction
Given Chicago's pace and offensive depth, it wouldn't surprise me if we see this game exceed the total of 234 points. Therefore, I expect the Bulls to do their part in putting up points, which is why I would also support playing the over in their team total of 111.5.
However, player props can also be an effective way to approach a game that could be high-scoring, and there's always a chance we can find a prop at a plus price. Chicago's Nikola Vucevic has a 3-point field goal prop of 1.5, with Caesars listing his over at +104.
The Bulls center is having his second-best year from the perimeter, shooting 40.1% from beyond the arc. He's currently in a nice groove, sinking at least two 3-pointers in four consecutive games and his last five away from home. Vucevic comes into this matchup having made four 3-pointers in each of his last two games. He also covered this line of 1.5 in his previous two meetings against the Lakers.
If this game turns into a shootout, Vucevic should get enough looks from the perimeter to register two or more 3-pointers. Combining his 3-point prop with the Bulls' spread of +10 returns a bigger payout (+205) than if we had opted to use Chicago's team total.
Best Bet: Bulls +10 (-115)
Same Game Parlay Picks
- Nikola Vucevic Over 1.5 3-Pointers Made
- Bulls +10
Parlay Payout: +205
Lakers vs. Bulls Betting Trends
