The Charlotte Hornets (11-23) and Chicago Bulls (17-17) meet Saturday at 8 p.m. ET from the United Center in Chicago. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Hornets vs. Bulls odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Tied 1-1
The Hornets lost to the Milwaukee Bucks 122-121 on Friday in their most recent outing yet managed to cover as a 6-point road underdog with the Over (233.5) cashing. Rookie F Kon Knueppel led the way with 26 points on 9-for-16 shooting. Charlotte has lost 3 straight games yet is still 4-5 over its last 9 contests, going 6-3 against the spread (ATS) in those. The Hornets are 18-15-1 ATS on the season.
The Bulls topped the Orlando Magic 121-114 at home Friday, covering as a 5-point home underdog. The Over (233.5) barely hit. F Matas Buzelis scored a team-high 21 points for the Bulls, including a poster dunk over Magic G Jalen Suggs. Chicago has won 2 straight games and 7 of its last 9, covering in each victory. The Bulls are 16-16-2 ATS on the season.
Hornets at Bulls odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 2:20 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Hornets +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Bulls -125 (bet $125 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +1.5 (-105) | Bulls -1.5 (-115)Over/Under (O/U): 240.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Hornets at Bulls key injuries
Hornet
F Moussa Diabate (wrist) outC Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) outF Grant Williams (knee) out
Bulls
F Zach Collins (toe) outG Josh Giddey (hamstring) outG Coby White (calf) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Hornets at Bulls picks and predictionsPrediction
Bulls 126, Hornets 118
BET BULLS (-125).
The Bulls are the play here, especially at home. They have the size to disrupt a Hornets team that is short several key big men. Chicago has scored 127.5 points per game over its last 2 contests and has improved on the defensive end as well, allowing 118 or fewer in 4 of its last 5 outings. The Bulls are 3-2 in their last 5 home games.
The Hornets can score with the best of them, but they simply can’t defend at a high level. They have allowed 122-plus points in 3 straight games and are 1-3 over their last 4 on the road. Charlotte is tied for the fifth-worst road record in the NBA at 4-13.
Take BULLS (-125).
PASS.
While the spread is playable for the Bulls, given that 2 of their last 5 wins have been by a one-score margin, the moneyline offers a safer wager.
BET OVER 240.5 (-110).
The Bulls have gone Over in 2 straight games, scoring at least 121 points in both. They have allowed at least 114 points in 3 straight battles.
The Hornets have been on fire offensively, scoring at least 120 points in 5 of their last 6 games. With shooters all over the court, expect them to continue to put up points Saturday. Additionally, those defensive shortcomings should allow for a high-scoring battle.
Back OVER 240.5 (-110).
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