The Chicago Bulls come to California with the hopes of handing the Golden State Warriors their fifth consecutive loss.
It hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the Chicago Bulls of late, so both teams are desperate to end recent losing streaks.
Our online sportsbook has framed a competitive market, so bettors should expect a close game at Chase Center on Monday, March 29.
What’s Troubling Golden State?
It wasn’t long ago that Golden State were the golden team of the NBA, so what has changed?
The obvious answer is not having Klay Thompson, but one player doesn’t have this much of an effect on a team. Golden State is struggling with team unity and having just Steph Curry and Draymond Green seemingly isn’t enough.
Golden State has now lost four games on the bounce to fall to 22-24. It’s in serious danger of missing the playoffs again, which is a far cry from the title runs it has made over the last five years.
Players like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andrew Wiggins aren’t used to winning and they’re playing like it. Wiggins hasn’t lived up to his potential, and although scoring 18.1 points per game, he’s getting enough ball to easily see that number rise.
His Player Efficiency Rating is 11 points below Steph Curry, so he’s one reason why the Warriors have a losing record.
What’s In Store For The Bulls?
It was good to see the Bulls sign Nikola Vucevic. It showed they are serious about winning in 2021 and that’s what bettors want to see.
Betting on teams that don’t make positive NBA trade moves is risky business, so we’re confident Chicago is heading in the right direction.
The Bulls have lost three consecutive games, so it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. However, we have seen enough of them this season to know they’re a threat on Monday.
Chicago hasn’t been able to score of late, including a 94-point performance against Cleveland. It’s not good enough, but with the likes of Zach LaVine, Coby White, Thaddeus Young and the newly-recruited Vucevic, there are no excuses.
Bettors should expect to see Chicago make a run in the Central. It’s currently 9½ games back of Milwaukee, so a strong second-half push is needed.
Warriors Looking To Go 2-0
The Golden State Warriors took the first meeting against Chicago by a solitary point. It was a 129-128 win in Chicago, where Damion Lee hit a three-pointer with 1.7 seconds to go.
It was a tough loss for Chicago to stomach after shooting at 51.2%. It also outrebounded the Warriors 67-48, but the biggest difference was turnovers.
The Bulls committed 24 turnovers and that’s not going to cut it. Securing the ball is important, especially against a counter attack team like Golden State.
The biggest lead of the game was 10, so NBA lines are right to suggest another close contest on Monday.
Bulls Head The Market
The Chicago Bulls are currently -120 favorites to beat Golden State on Monday. The market crashed on the Bulls, falling from an opening as 4½-point favorites, now down to a single point.
It’s rare to see an Eastern Conference team favored to beat Golden State, but the Warriors’ four straight losses is playing on the minds of many.
Game Pick
It is tempting to suggest backing the Golden State Warriors at home, but we don’t think they’ll snap their skid.
Chicago is only going to get better this season and this could be its breakout game. Expect another tidy performance from Nikola Vucevic and he will fit into his role nicely.
Zach LaVine started the season on fire and although he has tapered off recently, the ability is always there.
Expect the Bulls to win at -120 odds. And now that the online betting markets have trimmed these odds, it’s the best time to bet the Bulls.
