Bulls vs. Warriors Point Spread: NBA Odds, Prediction
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Andrew Rogers
The Chicago Bulls would love to halt their five-game losing skid – but they’re in the wrong place to try and do that, at least according to oddsmakers. The Bulls are whopping 15-point underdogs for Friday’s encounter with a host Golden State Warriors team coming off back-to-back victories and making a charge for top spot in the Western Conference. Golden State has won six of the last seven meetings, including a 25-point win back on Oct. 29.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
While bettors are almost certain to get paid off on the Golden State moneyline – the Warriors have won 30 consecutive games as a fave of 15 or more – taking the Warriors while giving away that many points is a dicey proposition. Golden State is just 4-7 against the spread (ATS) in its last 11 games when favoured by at least 15 points, though they did cover earlier this season vs. the New York Knicks. And Chicago is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 when receiving 15 or more points.
While the total for this one might seem modest at 221.5, there’s genuine concern that the Warriors will jump out to a big lead and let the bench take over from there. And both teams come in with strong under trends. The Bulls are 16-5 to the under in their last 21 games after allowing 100 or more points in their previous game, and 2-6 O/U in their last eight vs. the Pacific Division. Golden State has gone under in seven of its last nine vs. sub-.500 foes.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls’ offensive woes have been well-publicized, but they’ve been particularly dreadful over the course of their five-game losing skid. Chicago ranks second last in the NBA in scoring over that stretch (100.2), due in no small part to an utter inability to get to the free-throw line. The Bulls are averaging 14.6 attempts per game since Dec. 30, the lowest mark in the league; 25 teams are averaging more than 20 free throws in that span.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors rank second in the NBA in scoring at 116.7 points per game, 0.8 points behind the Milwaukee Bucks – and while it might be folly to expect them to pass the Bucks with one big game against Chicago, that average is still a good bet to go up. Golden State has scored more than 140 points in two of its previous three meetings with the Bulls, who have allowed more than 115 points in three straight. Golden State’s team total is set at 118.5.
