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Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Hornets Game Preview, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Wins Haven't Been Happening for Either Side of Late

Two struggling playoff contenders collide in Carolina Wednesday evening when the Chicago Bulls visit the Charlotte Hornets. Chicago is ever-so-slightly favored on the NBA betting lines, though missing several key players. Charlotte has lost five straight game and also suffering injuries, but has the home-court advantage.

Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Hornets Game Information

  • Game: Chicago Bulls (33-21) at Charlotte Hornets (28-27)
  • Location: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
  • Day/Time: Wednesday, 7:40 p.m. ET
  • Television: ESPN

Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Hornets Game Preview, Odds, Picks & Predictions
Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Hornets Game Preview, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Not-So-Raging Bulls

The Chicago Bulls have all but l any momentum they built earlier this season, partly due to injuries. Since the calendar turned, Chicago is 10-11 (10-10-1 against the spread), with just two wins against teams above .500. The team lost Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso, two of their better perimeter defenders, along with All-Star Zach Lavine.

Chicago’s 11-15 against teams at .500 and above, the worst record in that category among teams with 30-plus wins. While the Bulls have been a feel-good story with to the renaissance of DeMar DeRozan, this team is looking every bit like the “pretender” naysayers have labeled it.

Still, the Bulls are 31-22-1 ATS, and have been profitable when betting online. They’ve dispatched the teams they were supposed to beat. Chicago is 22-11-1 ATS as a favorite, with a 22-6 record against losing teams. Being shorthanded stings, but Chicago still has plenty of good players available.

Hornets Losing Their Sting

It’s difficult for the Charlotte Hornets and, to exacerbate their situation, forward Gordon Hayward is out indefinitely due to an ankle injury. He will join the likes of Cody Martin and Jalen McDaniels on the injury list as Charlotte’s bad defense continues to get worse.

The Hornets are ranked 24th in the NBA in defensive rating, 27th in the first half. This team tends to start slow and seemingly needs to spot the opposition points before awakening. Credit to coach James Borrego for his ability to motivate his team and make adjustments. However, losing Hayward and a stagnant offense makes comebacks a difficult assignment.

LaMelo Ball was named as an All-Star replacement. That’s a bit of good news, even if he’s hit another rough patch in his last three games. He’s averaging just 14 points on 34.1% shooting with an assist-to-turnover ratio that’s right around break-even. If Ball can’t get it going, it’s hard supporting this team on the online sports betting lines.

Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Hornets Head-to-Head

The Bulls have won four straight games against the Hornets, including their first and only meeting this season. They have also covered all of these games, though the spread was never larger than five points.

Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Hornets Prediction

That was a tough loss the Chicago Bulls took against the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns. However, if moral victories were involved, that was one right there. Chicago dropped over 40 points against Phoenix in the fourth quarter, outscoring the NBA’s second-best second-half team.

If Chicago can maintain that, it can take over in Charlotte. The Hornets are in a slump right now, and will need to get going early rather than chase the Bulls on the scoreboard.

This game should be fun, even with these teams’ struggles of late. The total has gone over in their previous nine meetings in Charlotte, However, 237 points are a lot here, despite Ball and Charlotte overdue due for a slump-breaking performance.

Pick: Under 237 (-110)

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