The Chicago Bulls are set to face off against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday at 7 p.m. ET in a matchup taking place at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. This game holds particular interest as the two teams have already met once this season, with the Hornets securing a 123-116 victory on November 28.
The Bulls, currently sporting a record of 9-14, are reeling from a disappointing seven-game losing streak, the most recent setback being a 123-91 defeat to the Golden State Warriors. During this stretch, they have struggled significantly against the spread, managing just one cover in their last ten games, bringing their season mark to 9-13-1 against the spread (ATS). The team’s early season promise, highlighted by a five-game winning streak, has all but evaporated.
Meanwhile, the Hornets, with a record of 7-17, recently dropped a game to the Denver Nuggets, losing 115-106 but managing to cover the spread as a 10.5-point underdog. The squad has shown some signs of life lately, bouncing back with a 3-3 record in their last six games and sitting at 12-12 ATS overall this season. Key player Miles Bridges has been stepping up, leading the team with 24 points in the last outing.
As the teams prepare to clash, BetMGM Sportsbook odds currently favor the Bulls, but only slightly, with Chicago at -140 on the moneyline and the Hornets at +115. The spread reflects another close rivalry game, with the Bulls sitting as 2.5-point favorites.
In injury news, the Hornets will be without star guard LaMelo Ball due to an ankle injury. The Bulls are facing their own challenges with injuries, including Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) and Kevin Huerter (adductor) both not expected to play.
The general consensus among analysts leans toward a tight contest due to both teams’ recent performances. Predictions have the Bulls eking out a narrow win, but it is recommended to bet on the Hornets to cover the spread given the Bulls’ struggles against softer competition. Additionally, a cautious bet on the under at 234.5 is advised, as both offenses have faltered lately, contributing to lower scoring games.
Overall, this matchup presents an intriguing narrative of two teams looking to regain their footing in the season. With the Hornets displaying resilience despite injuries and the Bulls searching for a remedy to their slump, fans can expect a tightly contested game that could showcase the growth of both franchises.