Chicago Looks For Season Sweep Of Washington
The Bulls try to right their playoff ship when they take on the Washington Wizards in a key Eastern Conference contest on Tuesday night. Chicago has dropped six of its last eight to fall to a tie for fifth place in the East, just a game ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers for a spot in the play-in tournament. Washington still has an outside shot at getting into the play-in tournament, but it enters Tuesday 5½ games behind the Atlanta Hawks with eight to play. This should be an intense contest, so before you bet online on this one, check out our game preview.
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and NBA odds for Bulls vs Wizards. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider.
Bulls Needing a Surge To Get Homecourt
The Bulls are having their troubles of late, and it’s getting to the team. Chicago is tied with the Toronto Raptors for the fifth-best record in the East, and after the team’s loss to the New York Knicks on Monday night, the frustration was evident.
“It’s frustrating. We’ve got to let it be frustrating and then take it out on Washington (on Tuesday),” Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan said after Monday’s loss. “That’s all we can do.”
DeRozan has been doing his part, as he’s coming off a 37-point, seven-assist, six-rebound performance against New York. The veteran is sixth in the NBA in scoring at 27.7 points while also averaging 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists, but he can’t do it alone.
Guard Zach LaVine is also a dangerous scorer for Chicago, averaging 24.8 points to go with 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. LaVine is shooting 39.5% from 3-point range and has averaged 31.0 points in two contests against Washington this season.
The Bulls are also getting solid play from center Nikola Vucevic, who is averaging a double-double of 17.9 points and 11.3 rebounds. Vucevic will need to be a presence defensively as well against Washington.
Wizards Hoping To Work Some Magic
The Wizards chances of making the play-in tournament are dwindling, so every game is a must-win from here on out. The home floor at Capital One Arena hasn’t exactly been kind to Washington this season, as the team is just 19-18 at home.
Center Kristaps Porzingis has played well since coming over from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade-deadline deal, averaging 21.4 points and 8.2 rebounds in 11 games with the Wizards. Porzingis had a big game on Sunday in a win over the Golden State Warriors, finishing with 23 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, but he has struggled with foul trouble at times.
Forward Kyle Kuzma has been a solid all-around contributor for Washington in his first year with the club, leading the team in both rebounding (8.5 per game) and assists (3.5 per game). Kuzma is also averaging a career-best 17.1 points, but he is expected to miss Tuesday’s contest with a knee injury.
Rookie forward Corey Kispert has been making the most of some increased time of late. Kispert had 25 points in Sunday’s win over Golden State, and he’s averaged 13.2 points over the last 10 games, shooting 42.6% from 3-point range.
Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards Head-to-Head
The Chicago Bulls have won each of the first two meetings between these clubs this season, though both have been by single digits. The Washington Wizards had their best showing in the first game, falling by just one at home in early January.
Chicago has dominated this series in recent years, winning nine of the last 11 meetings. The Bulls have a lot more to play for in this one and have been the better team this season, which is why the NBA lines favor them despite playing on the road.
Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards Game Information
- Game: Bulls (43-32) at Wizards (32-42)
- Location: Capital One Arena
- Day/Time: Tuesday, March 29th, 7:00 p.m. ET
- Live stream: NBA Game Pass
Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards Betting Lines
Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards Prediction
The Washington Wizards have not been consistent enough this season to expect another solid effort from them in this one despite two straight victories. Look for the Chicago Bulls to take out their frustrations from a Monday night loss with an easy victory in this one.
When making your NBA picks, take Chicago to win and cover on the road.
Pick: Chicago Bulls -3½ (-110)
