The Chicago Bulls (6-4) and Detroit Pistons (9-2) meet Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Bulls vs. Pistons odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Chicago leads 1-0
Chicago lost 121-117 to the San Antonio Spurs Monday but covered as a 5-point home underdog as the Over (236) cashed. The Bulls were outscored 32-19 in the fourth quarter, during which C Victor Wembanyama scored 18 of his 38 points. Chicago allowed 58 points in the paint.
Detroit escaped with a 137-135 OT win over the Washington Wizards Monday, failing to cover as an 11-point home favorite with the Over (236) hitting. G Cade Cunningham tallied 46 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks. Cunningham set a new NBA record for missed field goals in a game (31), going 14-of-45 from the field.
The Pistons and Bulls met in their season opener, when the Bulls came away with a 115-111 victory behind C Nikola Vucevic’s 28-point, 14-rebound double-double. Cunningham went just 8-of-24 from the field for 23 points.
Bulls at Pistons odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Bulls +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Pistons -140 (bet $140 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Bulls +2.5 (-110) | Pistons -2.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 235.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Bulls at Pistons key injuries
Bulls
C Zach Collins (finger) outG Josh Giddey (ankle) questionableG Coby White (calf) out
Pistons
G Cade Cunningham (hip) questionableC Jalen Duren (ankle) probableF Tobias Harris (ankle) outG Jaden Ivey (knee) outF Isaiah Stewart (ankle) doubtfulF Ausar Thompson (ankle) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Bulls at Pistons picks and predictionsPrediction
Bulls 112, Pistons 110
PASS.
Given that Cade got banged up a bit against Washington in a game where he logged 45 minutes, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Pistons gave him some rest in this matchup, as they’re currently the top seed in the East. Cunningham was downgraded to questionable Wednesday night, and with other key Detroit players either questionable or out, there’s too much uncertainty to make a wager here.
If Cunningham is cleared to play, this changes to a lean on the Pistons (-140).
LEAN BULLS +2.5 (-110).
Chicago is the healthier team, and given that the Bulls just kept things close against a very good Spurs team — even without Giddey — I see no reason they can’t do the same here. The Bulls thrive when opponents miss open shots since their defense isn’t actually strong, and without Cade, expect this Pistons team to miss plenty, giving Chicago exactly what it needs.
It will also be difficult to get this Bulls defense into rotation, as without Cade, Detroit lacks a consistent offensive threat.
This is a lean because Chicago’s best player, Giddey, is questionable heading into the matchup.
BET UNDER 235.5 (-110).
Both teams will be missing nearly all of their offensive creation if Cunningham and Giddey don’t play. Since both are already mediocre in terms of offensive rating and points per game, losing those creators would make the Under almost a lock in this matchup.
Detroit is missing key defenders like Thompson and Stewart, but its excellent paint defense should still hold up and make it even harder for the Bulls to find consistent offense.
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