The Chicago Bulls (9-8) and Charlotte Hornets (4-14) meet Friday from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tip in the NBA Cup group play match is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Bulls vs. Hornets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Bulls won 3-1
The Bulls lost to the New Orleans Pelicans 143-130 Monday, failing to cover as a 5-point road favorite as the Over (244.5) cashed with ease. G Ayo Dosunmu scored 28 points on 11-for-16 shooting. Chicago has traded off winning and losing over its last 4 games, but is 0-4 against the spread (ATS) in those. It is 8-8-1 ATS on the season. G Josh Giddey is averaging just short of a triple-double per game for the season — 20.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, 9.5 assists.
The Hornets dropped their seventh straight game Wednesday, losing 129-101 to the New York Knicks. They failed to cover as a 6.5-point home underdog as the Under (242) hit. F Brandon Miller scored a team-high 17 points. Charlotte is 3-4 ATS during its losing streak. It is 2-3 ATS in its last 5 home games, and 8-10 ATS on the season.
Bulls at Hornets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:38 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Bulls -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Hornets +115 (bet $100 to win $115)Against the spread (ATS): Bulls -2.5 (-110) | Hornets +2.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 247.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Bulls at Hornets key injuries
Bulls
C Nikola Vucevic (knee) questionableG Coby White (calf) questionable
Hornets
F Grant Williams (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Bulls at Hornets picks and predictionsPrediction
Bulls 127, Hornets 125
PASS.
The Bulls (-140) are a little too expensive to play here while the Hornets (+115) can’t be trusted to get it done. With Chicago’s last 3 road games all ending with a margin of 3 points or fewer, expect a close game and look to the spread for a better wager.
BET HORNETS +2.5 (-110).
The Bulls as a road favorite have been awful for bettors, going just 1-4 ATS. They are also 1-6 ATS across their last 7 contests. Chicago’s defense has been terrible as well, allowing at least 120 points in 10 straight games.
The Hornets have covered in 3 of their last 6 games, and they have been at least somewhat better at home, with 3 of their 4 wins this season coming at the Spectrum Center. They are also finally healthy and have all their playmakers active.
Take HORNETS +2.5 (-110).
BET OVER 247.5 (-110).
Neither team knows how to play defense, and the Bulls are going to make this a track meet. The Hornets rank 25th and the Bulls sit 22nd in defensive rating, with Chicago ranking second in the league in pace.
The Hornets are 2-2 O/U in their last 4 games, and the Bulls have gone 7-2 O/U in their last 9 contests. Chicago has scored at least 130 points in 3 of its last 6 performances.
Back OVER 247.5 (-110).
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