Thunder vs. Bulls: Point spread, betting odds, prediction (Jan. 15)
The Oklahoma City Thunder play the Chicago Bulls and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.
The game tips off at 7 p.m. and can be seen on FOX Sports Oklahoma.
The Thunder (5-6) won three games in a row but dropped the next two to the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers. They look to get a win against their former head coach, Billy Donovan.
Donovan’s Bulls (4-7) haven’t played since Sunday. Their Tuesday game against the Boston Celtics was postponed. Over that weekend prior, they lost by a combined five points to the Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.
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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
Point spread: Thunder +1.5
Moneyline: Thunder -105/Bulls -115
Over-under: 224.5
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How to watch: Thunder vs. Bulls
Advice and prediction
The Thunder are actually getting some respect from the bettors this week. This is the closest they’ve been to being favored all season, and given as the Bulls have a worse record and haven’t played since Sunday, there’s reason why.
It’s not an easy bet on the Thunder, though. Otto Porter Jr. (back) and Lauri Markkanen (calf) are probable to play against OKC. Zach LaVine has been insane this year, scoring more than 30 points in four of his last five games, and the guards took advantage of Oklahoma City in the preseason.
Darius Bazley’s status was unclear as of Friday afternoon after suffering an ankle sprain against the Lakers.
Al Horford will be back on the court after missing the game against the Lakers for rest purposes.
Chicago is averaging the fifth-most points per game, but also giving up the third-most points. The Thunder’s defense has been average overall compared to the league, but their offense is near the bottom. With the Bull’s suspect defense, OKC could have a chance to break out a bit.
That’s what you would be relying on if you were to choose the over. Chicago averages 116 points per game, and if they hit that, the Thunder would need 109, which they’ve hit in only four of their 11 games. They haven’t faced a defense with as low a rating as the Bulls, though.
Oklahoma City looked very good in its wins over the New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, and with Horford back and Lu Dort set to defend LaVine, they could win again and get back to .500 on the season.
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
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