Trail Blazers vs. Bulls Pick
Are the Chicago Bulls going to protect their home court tonight when they host the Portland Trail Blazers at 8PM ET?
Who Oddsmakers Like: Portland. According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Trail Blazers are listed as a 1-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 206 points. The Bulls actually opened as a 1-point favorite, while the over-under has dropped slightly from 207.
Who the Public Likes: As of Monday afternoon, 57 percent of public bets have been placed on Chicago.
Injury Report: Portland point guard Damian Lillard has missed more time than expected with a hamstring strain, sitting out the last four contests. He’ll be a game-time decision tonight. Center Meyers Leonard missed the last game with an ankle injury and is questionable tonight. For the Bulls, Zach LaVine is nearing a return from a torn ACL and hopes to take the floor sometime this month. Cameron Payne remains out following foot surgery in September.
Who the Trends Like: Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last six meetings in Chicago. The under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings. The over is 7-3-1 in the last 11 meetings in Chicago.
Who We Like: Lillard’s status is a huge determining factor here. Perhaps oddsmakers believe he will play since the line has shifted toward Portland’s favor. Chicago has slowed down a bit since its seven-game win streak, winning only three of its last six contests. But this is a good spot for the Bulls I believe. The Bulls have depth at forward and guard, with a number of contributors helping them turn a corner. Even if Lillard returns, he might not be at 100 percent and will have to keep up with the quick Kris Dunn at point guard. Take the Bulls tonight.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: CHICAGO BULLS +1