Injuries Playing a Factor
All of a sudden, the NBA playoff odds are increasing for the Chicago Bulls as the number of games dwindle. They are 1½ games from missing the playoffs but just as many games from hosting a play-in game.
Though not yet eliminated, the Portland Trail Blazers can hope to play spoiler on their home court. But ten players carry injury report designations, so there is some NBA news to follow.
Bulls Peaking
The Chicago Bulls have won five of their last seven games and beaten some NBA playoff teams along the way. They hope to have DeMar DeRozan (quadricep) and Alex Caruso (foot), who are questionable, in the lineup along with Javonte Green (knee), who is probable.
Chicago is one of the most efficient teams on each end despite playing at a slower pace. The Bulls are sixth in making 48.8% of field goal attempts, 14th at making 36.2% of 3-point shots and 81.1% of free throw attempts, which is fifth. They only score 113.2 points per game, ranking 20th.
Defensively, the Bulls are sixth in holding teams to 46.6% on field goal attempts and 12th at 35.6% on 3-point shots. They are 10th at holding teams to 112.5 points per game.
When making your NBA picks, keep in mind that the Bulls are 34-35-3 against the spread and 30-41-1 on over/unders. They are 14-21 straight up on the road.
Trail Blazers Limping to Finish Line
Damian Lillard has stayed upright and loyal to the Portland Trail Blazers, but his teammates have changed consistently. Ibou Badji and Justise Winslow are out for the season.
Meanwhile, Jusuf Nurkic (knee), Jerami Grant (quadricep), Nassir Little (concussion) and Anfernee Simons (foot) are all questionable.
The Blazers are 15th in scoring 114.4 points per game, 12th in making 47.8% of field goal attempts, 10th in making 37.0% of 3-point shots and seventh in making 80.2% of free throw attempts.
Defensively, they allow 116.1 points per game, which is 18th, and teams make 48.7% of field goal attempts, which is 26th, and 37.2% of 3-point shots, which ranks 24th.
Portland is 34-37-1 against the spread and 35-36-1 on over/unders. It is 17-18 straight up at home.
Bulls vs Trail Blazers Game Injuries
Bulls vs Trail Blazers Head-to-Head
Looking at the past NBA lines shows that the Bulls have won two straight in the series with the Trail Blazers. But the Blazers have the edge with 67 wins to Chicago’s 64 all-time in the regular season.
Scores and odds show the Bulls have covered the spread in four of the last six meetings, but Portland is 6-4 in that span.
The over is 5-4-1 in those 10 games. But the under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings in Portland.
Bulls vs Trail Blazers Game Information
- Game: Bulls (34-38) vs Trail Blazers (32-40)
- Location: Moda Center, Portland, Ore.
- Day/Time: Friday, March 24, 10:00 p.m. ET
- Bulls vs Trail Blazers Live stream: NBA Game Pass
Bulls vs Trail Blazers Betting Lines
Bulls vs Trail Blazers Picks and Prediction
Lillard has brought a sense of loyalty to the NBA that people gravitate toward. His loyalty has been rewarded through a dry spell, at least with fans who appreciate his honesty. He also scored a career-high 73 points on 13 made 3-pointers under one month ago.
The Portland Trail Blazers may need some similar heroics if most of their players are going to miss the game. The real challenge is going to be on the interior, with the Chicago Bulls strong down low with Nikola Vucevic and Co.
If the Blazers are healthy, they certainly can play spoiler against a Bulls team that has not fared well on the road. That is even though the Blazers are underdogs. Still, that is why we like them, particularly if their ailing players are going to be able to play.
The Bulls lost Lonzo Ball for the season, and Caruso’s health is a big bonus if they can get him playing. His defensive presence is incredibly important. Our best bet from this NBA betting preview is to follow the injury reports.
Bulls vs Trail Blazers Trends
Bulls vs Trail Blazers Edge
Bulls vs Trail Blazers Results
Bulls vs Trail Blazers Game Summary
Trail Blazers vs Bulls Previous Game (Feb 4, 2023)
The Portland Trail Blazers are 10th in the Western Conference when they visit the Chicago Bulls, who are 10th in the Eastern Conference. Each team is looking to not only improve its seeding but also climb out of the NBA play-in rounds altogether.
But the NBA basketball odds with who is ahead of them make it a dire situation for each team. Still, Saturday night’s meeting is one the winner will covet later in the year.
It is hard to see why a sportsbook would favor the Chicago Bulls when the Portland Trail Blazers will have the best player on the court in Damian Lillard.
Lillard is averaging 30.7 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game. He makes a great backcourt tandem with Anfernee Simons and a complementary forward in Jerami Grant.
But the injury report is worrisome. The fact that these teams are so similar, the Bulls are slightly healthier and have a strong mismatch at center if Vucevic plays, and they are the more efficient team gives an NBA betting expert reason to take the home team.
While the teams play a similar style, the reality is this game will come down to rebounding margin and turnovers.
