GOING FOR 28 STRAIGHT WINS: HEAT VS. BULLS

by DAVID THE MAVEN CHICOTSKY

All eyes are on the Heat as they need 6 more wins to break the longest winning streak in NBA history; they look to take down the Bulls on Wednesday 8:05 PM EDT on ESPN.

During their 27 game winning streak the Heat have gone 16-11 against the spread, putting extra coin in the pocket of bettors. They’re coming off back-to-back games in which they covered. The Heat face a Bulls team that has gone 3-4 straight up and 3-3-1 against the spread in their last 7 games.

The Oddsfather’s Injury Report

Even if the Bulls had their star Derrick Rose on the court, they still would be big dogs against a Heat team with momentum in their sails.

Keep in mind that Dwyane Wade has sat out the past two games, which didn’t stop the Heat from wiping the floor with the Charlotte Bobcats and Orlando Magic.

During the 27 game win-streak LeBron James has been the stone-cold nuts, putting up 27 points (57.5% from the field and 37.4% from 3-pointland), 8.1 rebounds, 8 assists, 1.9 steals and 1 block per game. Go ahead and make room on the mantle for his second straight NBA MVP award.

Track Line Movement for this game.

The Bulls are definitely rivals with the Heat, as they’ve been a thorn in their side in the past. Two of the biggest market teams will clash in what will be a display of defensive intensity (Bulls) and all-around basketball excellence (Heat).

In the first time these two teams met this year the Bulls won and covered on the road in Miami, 96-89 – in a game where the Heat were favored by 7 points and the total was set at 189 points. The second matchup had the Heat winning and covering in Chicago 86-67 – the Heat were favored by 3 points and the total was 186 points.

Betting Information

The Heat are 56-14 straight up, 37-33 against the spread and 34-34-2 against the total. They’re 24-11 SU, 19-16 ATS and 19-15-1 Under on the road. The Over has hit in 3 out of the last 4 Heat road games.

The Bulls are 38-30 SU, 28-37-3 ATS and 39-29 Under on the year. At home they’re 19-16 SU, 10-24-1 ATS and 24-11 Under. The Under has hit in 3 out of the last 4 Bulls home games.

Source: Bleacher Report

WOUNDED WINNERS: BULLS VS. SPURS

by DAVID THE MAVEN CHICOTSKY

The Bulls have done a commendable job of keeping themselves in the playoff picture despite losing their team leader Derrick Rose for the year to an ACL injury. The Spurs are all of a sudden now in a similar boat, with their leader Tony Parker out with a severely sprained ankle. The Spurs will need to band together and do what they can to score against a Bulls defense that is ranked 3^rd in the league.

The Bulls have revenge, as they lost to the Spurs 103-89 in a Chicago game where the Bulls were favored by 2 points.

ATS Info

The Bulls have shined without their star, going 34-25 straight up and 34-25 Under– but similar to other big market teams, have left bettors holding the bag (they’re 25-32-2 ATS on the year). On the road the Bulls haven’t been too shabby, going 17-11 straight up and 16-10 ATS (15-13 Over).

The Spurs are a league leading 47-14 straight up, 33-26-2 ATS and 32-29 Under on the year. At home they’ve been almost unbeatable, going an incredible 24-3 straight up, alongside 15-11-1 ATS and 17-10 Under records.

Source: Bleacher Report

NBA DISS: BULLS (32-23) VS. THUNDER (40-15)

by LUCAS COMBS

When: Sunday, February 24th, 2013 at 630PM PT
Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City
Line: -8.5 Thunder
Total: 196

Line Movement

Last Meeting: November 8th – The Thunder defeated the Bulls in Chicago, 97-91.

The Match-Up

The Chicago Bulls travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder Sunday evening. Both teams got much needed victories Friday after stretches of poor play. The Bulls routed the Charlotte Bobcats, 105-75, after losing 3 of 4 and the Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 127-111 after losing 3 straight. Chicago moved the ball astoundingly well in the victory over the Bobcats, amassing 37 assists on 42 made baskets. The Thunder received 35 points and 9 dimes from Russel Westbrook in the victory over Minnesota.

Betting Information

Despite not having a stellar record overall against the spread, the Chicago Bulls have been a good road team to bet on, going 17-9 ATS in road games (24-30 ATS overall). The Oklahoma City Thunder are 32-21 ATS overall (19-9 ATS at home).

Chicago is just 6-14 ATS versus non-conference opponents and 1-4 ATS versus Northwest Division opponents.

Concerning the total, Chicago has a tendency to play in lower scoring games than anticipated (32-23 Under), but on the road, the Bulls are 15-12 Over in road games. Oklahoma City tends to play in higher scoring games than anticipated and are 29-24 Over overall (17-10 Over at home).

The Thunder are 7-2 Over in their last 9 contests.

Brotherly Diss

Derrick Rose’s brother isn’t happy about Chicago not making any moves before the trade deadline. Reggie Rose told ESPN Chicago that he doesn’t think the Bulls’ organization has done enough to ensure Chicago will be a contender.

“What have you pieced together? Have you made any moves? Have you made any trades to get better? You know all roads to the championship lead through Miami,” he told ESPN Chicago. “What pieces have you put together for the physical playoffs? Joakim Noah is a great player. Luol Deng is a great player. But you need more than that. You have to put together pieces to your main piece. The players can only do so much. It’s up to the organization to make them better.”

So, let’s get this straight. The Chicago Bulls, who are 9 games above .500 and fifth in the Eastern Conference without their best player haven’t done enough to become a contender? Right. Does Mr. Derrick Rose’s brother realize what Chicago has accomplished without his brother?

Perhaps, we should wait until his brother returns from injury to pass judgement. Who knows, the Bulls might just be that much better.

Injury Report

Source: USA TODAY

BADLY BRUISED: BULLS FACE CELTICS IN MATCHUP OF INJURED TEAMS

by TYLER WOGALTER

Last Meeting: The Bulls defeated the Celtics 100-99 (OT) at Boston on 1/18/13

Line: Celtics -2, Total: 182

Matchup

With injured lists that have more names than a petition, the banged-up Chicago Bulls travel to Boston on Wednesday to take on the wounded Celtics at 7:30 ET. Both the Celtics and Bulls have been struck with the injury bug this season, suffering long term injuries to each team’s respective All-Star point guards, as well as a number of other playmakers. The Bulls have been without 2011 MVP Derrick Rose all season, and have certainly missed his production recently. Chicago has lost three of their last four contests, giving up an average of 108.8 PPG to opponents over that stretch. The Celtics on the other hand, have played solid basketball since the season-ending injury of Rajon Rondo. Aside from an embarrassing loss at Charlotte on Monday, the Celtics have won seven of their last eight and have done surprisingly well without the former Kentucky star bringing up the ball.

In prior seasons, Chicago and Boston would be neck and neck with the Heat for the East’s best record, but injuries have derailed those plans for now. This matchup, one of the Eastern Conference’s finest rivalries, does not hold the same weight as it previously would have if both teams were healthy and vying for the top spot in the playoffs. Acting as the final game for each team before All-Star Weekend, both the Bulls and Celtics will need to amplify their play after the break if they want to contend for the Finals. Currently, the Bulls hold the 4^th seed in the East and have a half game cushion over the Nets. The Celtics possess the 7^th seed, but are only a game and a half above the Bucks for the final spot in the playoffs.

Betting Information

The Bulls are 30-21 straight up and 21-29 against the spread on the year. While playing on the road, Chicago is 15-9 SU and 14-9 ATS. The Bulls have a record of 29-22 Under against the overall point total, shooting an average of 93.6 PPG. Not too bad for a team without their best player.

The Celtics have a season record of 27-24 SU and 22-26 ATS, and are 19-9 SU and 15-12 ATS when playing at the TD Garden. Boston is 25-25 against the point total, and is putting up 96.3 PPG. Both teams have gone Over against the total in three of their last four games.

Injuries

As if losing Rajon Rondo and Jared Sullinger weren’t enough, the Celtics were dealt another season-ending injury on Monday in the form of a torn ACL to Leandro Barbosa. In the last month, the Celtics have lost three key contributors for the year, making the climb to the top of the East even harder. Barbosa was averaging 12.5 minutes, 5.2 PPG and 1.4 APG on the year.

What to watch for

Their last few games might not prove it, but the Bulls have been one of the best defensive teams in the league this season. Allowing only 91.9 PPG (3^rd in the league) and grabbing 43.6 RPG (6^th in the league), look for the Bulls to continue their defensive dominance as Joakim Noah clocks more minutes and fully returns from injury.

Veteran leadership is what Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett bring to the table and have been vital to their recent success. Combined, the two are averaging 36.0 PPG and 19.5 RPG throughout the month of February. If the Celtics hope to do anything against the Bulls, watch for these two future Hall of Famers to make their imprint on the game.

The pick

It’s tough to pick a team when it isn’t at full strength, which makes this game so difficult to pick. These two damaged clubs are in desperate need of the upcoming All-Star break, bringing up the question: “how hard will they play?” I think both teams will show up to play in Boston, but I feel as though the home team has the advantage in this one. I like the Celtics to knock off the Bulls and go eight for their last nine, bringing a positive vibe into the second half of the season for a team that desperately needs it. Take the home favorite giving points, but not the over, 89-84.

Source: ESPN

THE BANGED UP SPURS TAKE ON THE BULLS

by ODDSFATHER STAFF

The Bulls play their first home game in two weeks when the Spurs continue their long road trip Monday in Chicago.

Line: Chicago -2, Total: 190

San Antonio is 2-1 (SU and ATS) so far on its annual rodeo road trip, crushing Brooklyn 111-86 on Sunday thanks to a 59% FG clip and just five turnovers. The Bulls are in the midst of a brutal stretch of schedule that has them playing 10 road games in a 12-game stretch, with the only two tilts at United Center coming against the No. 1 seeds in each conference, San Antonio and Miami. The Bulls are just 4-4 (SU and ATS) in their past eight games, but they did upset Utah 93-89 on Friday to finish off their road trip. And they are also 4-1 (SU and ATS) in the past five meetings with the Spurs, winning two straight home meetings by 8.5 PPG. Both teams have multiple key injuries, as San Antonio PF Tim Duncan (knee) and SG Manu Ginobili (hamstring) are both doubtful, while Chicago will definitely be without PG Kirk Hinrich (arm), with SG Marco Belinelli (foot) questionable for this game.

The Bulls have been horrible on their home floor this season with an NBA-worst 7-19 ATS mark (27%). The Spurs have been the league’s fifth-best road wager at 16-12 ATS (57%). And even if Duncan and Ginobili don’t play, this team has won 12 of its past 13 games thanks mostly to PG Tony Parker who should dominate the Derrick Rose-less Bulls. San Antonio is 25-10 ATS (71%) in the past two seasons when facing teams with a win pct. between 51% and 60%, including 14-4 ATS (78%) in the second half of the season. And in the past three seasons, the Spurs are 19-4 ATS (83%) on the road where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points.

San Antonio’s offense has been extremely efficient all season with 104.4 PPG (4th in NBA), 48.8% FG (2nd in league) and an NBA-leading 25.1 APG. The Spurs also pace the league with 103.7 PPG on 47.6% FG away from home. So far on this road trip, the team is averaging 108.0 PPG on 50% FG in the three games. Star PG Tony Parker (20.7 PPG, 7.7 APG) is having a phenomenal season, and is averaging 25.3 PPG on 58% FG with 9.5 APG in the past 11 contests, scoring at least 19 points in every game. And despite the Bulls being a great defensive franchise, Parker has posted 17.8 PPG on 52% FG with 6.4 APG in 20 career meetings with Chicago. With Duncan (17.3 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.7 BPG) and Ginobili (12.5 PPG, 4.5 APG, 3.7 RPG) both out, C Tiago Splitter (10.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG) is the next highest scorer for the Spurs. He has 15 straight games of 10+ points, averaging 13.5 PPG on a whopping 63% FG, plus 8.0 RPG during this stretch. SG Danny Green (10.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG) has caught fire, scoring 17.8 PPG on 62% FG (63% threes) in the past five games. SF Kawhi Leonard (9.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG) is also starting to find a groove in his past nine contests, averaging 13.2 PPG (17-of-36 threes) and 6.7 RPG during this stretch. But PG Gary Neal (9.6 PPG) has shot terribly in his past 11 games, averaging 6.8 PPG on 33% FG and 10-of-37 threes (27%).

Chicago boasts the third-best scoring defense in the NBA (91.7 PPG) and also ranks third in FG Pct. defense (43.3% FG). However, these numbers have risen to 109.3 PPG and 53% FG in the past three games. But the offense has been decent during this road trip with 96.0 PPG, which is considerably higher than its 93.3 PPG before the long journey. The scoring is led by SF Luol Deng (17.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.1 APG), but he’s been underperforming since returning from a hamstring injury, averaging a mere 15.1 PPG on 36% FG in the past seven games. He’s also shot a low percentage (41%) when facing the Spurs since 2010. PF Carlos Boozer (15.8 PPG, 9.3 RPG) missed the first three games of this road trip due to a hamstring injury, but after playing sparingly (22.5 MPG) in his first two games back, Boozer logged 32 minutes in Friday’s win at Utah, scoring 19 points. With PG Kirk Hinrich (7.0 PPG, 5.2 APG) out indefinitely with an arm injury, PG Nate Robinson (11.9 PPG, 4.0 APG) has stepped up his game in the starting role, averaging 16.6 PPG (14-of-26 threes) and 8.6 APG in the past five games, logging 38.8 MPG in these contests. With SG Marco Belinelli (9.7 PPG) bothered by an ankle injury, Chicago is impatiently waiting for SG Richard Hamilton (10.7 PPG) to heat up. Hamilton has not surpassed 10 points in any of his past nine games, averaging a paltry 6.6 PPG on 36% FG.

Source: Statfox

LAKERS HIT THE ROAD TO PLAY THE BULLS

Line: Bulls -1

Line Movement

Lakers Statistical Breakdown:

This season hasn’t been kind to the Lakers and neither has their road record, they’re 5-13 straight up and 6-11-1 against the spread (11-7 Over) on the road. They started out the season losing their first 4 road games in a row, they’ve topped that by losing 5 road games in a row over their latest streak (going 1-4 ATS). Interestingly, the Lakers have gone Over in 7 out of their last 8 road games.

Bulls Statistical Breakdown:

Meanwhile, the Bulls are coming off 3 straight overtime games, in which they went 2-1 SU and 1-2 ATS. Unlike the Lakers who played yesterday... 

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