Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, NBA Odds
It was a busy day at Staples Center on Sunday as the Lakers took on San Antonio in the afternoon, while the Bulls played the Clippers later that night. The Lakers and Bulls both got back in the win column. L.A. picked up a 114-106 dub against the Spurs, while Chicago took out the Clippers 100-90.
The Bulls are 1-point favourites to win over the Lakers on Monday, with the total set at 216.5 on the NBA odds.
Bulls vs. Lakers NBA Betting Odds
L.A. swept the season series between these teams last year, winning 117-115 at home and 101-90 in Chicago. Sports Interaction bettors are sensing a change in the tides, however, as 83 per cent of action is taking the Bulls in this one. The Over/Under split last year, which is likely why the Under is only slightly favoured at just above 50 per cent for Monday.
Chicago has looked good this season, but there’s two very concerning stats if you’re thinking of taking the Bulls. Chicago has lost eight straight games against the Lakers and they’ve also dropped 12 of their last 14 against Pacific Division teams. The Bulls haven’t beat L.A. since Nov. 20, 2016, with the Lakers roster completely changing since then. For the season, Chicago is 9-4 against the spread. The total has gone Under in eight of 13 games.
The Lakers can’t seem to find any consistency as they alternate wins and losses and sit just two games above .500. They’re 5-9 ATS and have failed to cover in seven of their 11 home games. The total has gone Over in eight of L.A.’s 14 games this year, including six times at home.
Chicago Bulls
Former Toronto Raptors star DeMar DeRozan was the hero in Chicago’s road win against the Clippers on Sunday. DeRozan finished with a game-high 35 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists. Zach LaVine has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of DeRozan’s addition in the off-season, as it takes some of the offensive burden off his back. LaVine added 29 points and eight rebounds against the Clippers. DeRozan (26.1 points per game) and LaVine (25.9) are No. 1 and 2 in team scoring.
The big issue right now is the lack of depth outside DeRozan and LaVine. Nikola Vucevic is third in team scoring, averaging 13.1 ppg, but he’ll miss at least the next few games after entering COVID protocols on Friday. Lonzo Ball (11.8 ppg) is the only other Bulls player averaging double-digit points. Chicago will get a boost to the lineup, however, with Coby White expected to make his season debut Monday. White, who is returning after off-season shoulder surgery, averaged 15.1 ppg last season, behind only LaVine and Vucevic.
Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis once again stepped up in absence of LeBron James on Sunday. Davis finished with a game-high 34 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Talen Horton-Tucker recorded 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting in his season debut after undergoing thumb surgery during training camp. Russell Westbrook has also stepped up with James out of the lineup, adding 14 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists against the Spurs.
Injuries has been the big storyline surrounding L.A.’s season to this point. As mentioned above, Horton Tucker finally made his season debut on Sunday, but the team is still without James (abdominal strain), Trevor Ariza (ankle), Kendrick Nunn (knee) and Austin Reaves (hamstring). James, the Lakers’ leading scorer with 24.8 ppg, has missed the past six games, although his status has been upgraded to day-to-day. It’s not clear when Ariza, Nunn or Reaves will be available.
CHI
LAL