For the first of four NBA matchups on this campaign’s schedule, the Charlotte Hornets will make the trip to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bulls Wednesday night.
The hosts will look to better an average start, while the short-handed Hornets would likely be happy to pull one out while they wait for some of their key performers to get back.
Let’s take a look at the ins and outs of this clash before we recommend some Hornets vs Bulls best bets.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls Information
Chicago finished sixth in the Eastern Conference in 2021 and has gotten off to a similar sort of start this go-round.
The Bulls recently shrugged off a two-game losing skid that included a road loss to San Antonio and a home defeat to Philadelphia. The Hornets finished 10th in the standings last season.
Two games ago, they downed the defending world champion Golden State Warriors in overtime, 120-113, a win that felt like it might propel Charlotte to some more success.
Last Games
How are both teams doing as of late? That’s an important factor to consider before thinking of any Hornets vs Bulls best bets.
Zach LaVine’s Performance Recap
The Bulls’ Zach LaVine poured in 20 points in the fourth quarter of a road game against discombobulated Brooklyn on Tuesday night. His output in that frame was greater than that of the Nets’ whole offense.
The clash was the hosts’ first after the Steve Nash coaching era, and Chicago took advantage, notching a 108-99 triumph.
LaVine rounded out the contest with 29 points, while DeMar DeRozan added another 20. The Bulls (4-4) were behind at the start of the final period before the former went on his scoring spree.
Hornets Performance Recap
The Hornets (3-4) held on to a 15-point advantage at halftime against Sacramento Monday night but were overtaken in the second half of a 115-108 loss.
They shot an impressive 60.5% in the first half, then were outscored 37-18 in the third quarter.
P.J. Washington led banged-up Charlotte with 31 points, which tied matters with 1:09 to go on Jalen McDaniels’ corner three-pointer.
But 21 Hornets turnovers yielded 25 Kings points, and a total of 31 fouls committed by Charlotte didn’t help much, either.
They were missing:
- LaMelo Ball
- Terry Rozier
- Cody Martin
All of whom are dealing with injuries.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls Analysis
Bulls’ Offense Key Components
For Chicago, LaVine and DeRozan are the key components of the offense. The latter is averaging 25.9 points per contest, and the former 22.5.
NBA team stats have bench center Andre Drummond leading the squad in field goal percentage (53.5%) despite a small sample size. Nikola Vucevic starts on the floor in that same position. His 11.9 boards per game pace the crew.
Gordon Hayward at the Lead
The Hornets are led by forward Gordon Hayward on the offensive end if you look at NBA player stats.
The former Boston Celtic is posting 18.9 points per game, while Mason Plumlee is pulling down 7.1 boards an outing.
Guard Kelly Oubre Jr. helps out with 16.4 points per game. Charlotte has a 47.1 field goal percentage and goes 39% from beyond the arc.
Hornets vs. Bulls Odds Breakdown
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets odds have them as a +176 underdog. They’re -110 to cover the spread. The total for this one is set at 224.5 points, with the over being -108 and the under -112.
Chicago Bulls
If you’re planning on making Bulls picks, keep in mind that oddsmakers have them at -110 to cover -5.5. They’re -210 favorites on the moneyline, as well.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls Pick and Prediction
Factoring in Charlotte’s injuries and them being the away squad, the Bulls should be able to climb above .500 for the third time early in the NBA schedule.
Count on DeRozan to stay consistent and provide a scoring presence the Hornets won’t have.
For our Charlotte Hornets vs Bulls best bets, go with Chicago to cover, as well take the game on the money line.
NBA Pick: Bulls(-210)
NBA Pick: Bulls -5.5 (-110)
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