Chicago Bulls vs Los Angeles Lakers: Lakers are not consistent, Chicago hit by COVID-19

COVID-19 has torn apart the rhythm of the NBA and it is tough for the players in such a difficult environment(As if the NBA schedule is not already exhausting!). It has also impacted the way we bet, the way we predict, the way we write, the way we read the game, and the way we study the game. In this game, a COVID-19 hit Chicago Bulls host the LA Lakers. The Bulls have not played for around a week and they have had two games postponed. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers received the devastating news that Anthony Davis will be out for a month. How will the two short-handed teams respond? To know about my total prediction and game result prediction, go to the “Expert Betting Tips”. To know a simply overview, go to the “Notes” section.

Observations

Bulls available players: DeMar DeRozan may return for this game and if he does the Bulls chances to eke a win will bolster significantly. On the other hand, if Alex Caruso, Nikola Vucevic, Lonzo Ball, and Javonte Green are good to go, the Bulls will have a significant advantage. I believe if these five players play then the Bulls can go past 100 unlike the last two games without DeRozan. These five players form a formidable unit on both ends of the floor and I think they can give the Lakers a lot of trouble.

Lakers available players: With Anthony Davis gone, a lot of offense also has gone. Talen Horton-Tucker, Austin Reaves, Malik Monk, Dwight Howard and Avery Bradley, five regular rotation players will not be available. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Kent Bazemore, Wayne Ellington, Rajon Rondo, newly-signed Isaiah Thomas, Jay Huff, and Sekou Doumboya are probably going to feature in this game. WIth this lineup too, Lakers have ways to extract 100 or so.

Comparisons: I believe the Bulls will have an edge, playing at a home, are a better defensive unit, and can outhustle the Lakers. Still, LeBron must be itching to get some momentum going and not having a 5-game streak in the belt so deep into the season must bother him. I think he and Westbrook will come up big but so will Zach LaVine, LaMelo Ball, and Nikola Vucevic. Lakers must beware of this Bulls unit because they are tight on both ends. In terms of bench, both teams can have a lot of trouble.

Notes

Here are some quick hitters related to the game:

• Lakers have scored 92, 107(OT), 106, 116, 95 in the last five games;
• Lakers have allowed 110, 104(OT), 94, 95, 108 in the last five games;
• Chicago Bulls have not played in more than seven days. They will be without Zach LaVine in this game. Derrick Jones Jr. and Ayu Dosunmu are also not likely to play;
• Lakers have won six games and lost three games since late November;
• Isaiah Thomas scored 19 points in his season debut;
• LeBron James has grabbed 10 rebounds, has scored 30 points and dished 8-10 assists multiple times this season;
• DeMar DeRozan is averaging around 26 points;
• No reported injuries for the Timberwolve so far;
• Do check injury lists before placing bets.

Expert Betting tips

Points Range: Lakers have struggled a bit offensively in the last few games. Major reasons have been that they have not been in sync with so many combinations that have been tried all season long. On the other hand, we don’t know what to expect from Bulls but if they haveg their four starters back then they can hit the floor hard. I think we can see atleast 105 points or so from Bulls if Caruso, Vucevic, LaVine, Green, and Ball are healthy for this game and I think even the current Lakers team can reach there. I see a points range of 212-225 here.

Prediction: While the Bulls have the edge, I feel LeBron and Westbrook will go big here. I think DeRozan, Vucevic, and Ball will have big-time games too so we can end up having a high-scorer. I side with the Lakers to win this one though because I feel like they are going to go on a run soon, I have been saying that for a long time though. I think Lakers will win 114:108 here. I’d suggest taking Lakers with a spread of +5.5 just to be safe.

Betting Options

• W2 for 2.65;
• Alternate Points Spread: Los Angeles Lakers +5.5 for 1.80;
• Total O 213.5 for 1.90.