Dallas Mavericks at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and prediction
The Dallas Mavericks (2-3) stop by the Windy City Sunday to play the Chicago Bulls (2-4) at United Center at 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Mavericks-Bulls NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
Mavericks at Bulls: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports' betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:50 p.m. ET.
- Money line : Mavericks -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Bulls +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
- Against the spread/ATS : Mavericks -6.5 (-105) | Bulls +6.5 (-115)
- Over/Under : 224.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Mavericks at Bulls: Key Injuries
Mavericks
- SF Luka Doncic (quadriceps) questionable
- PF Maxi Kleber (ankle) probable
- C Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out
Bulls
- PG Ryan Arcidiacono (health and safety protocols) out
- PF Lauri Markkanen (health and safety protocols) out
- SF Chandler Hutchison (health and safety protocols) out
- PG Tomas Satoransky (health and safety protocols) out
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Mavericks at Bulls: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Mavericks 119, Bulls 115
Money line (ML)
Officially, I'll PASS on the money line but if I had to go either way it'd be the Bulls (+200) because I am taking Chicago plus the points. Typically I'd like to sprinkle on an underdog's money line when betting them to cover the spread and I still might pending the final injury reports.
Against the spread (ATS)
Dallas' defense showed up against the Miami Heat (or the Heat's offense pulled a no-show) in its 93-83 win as a 1.5-point underdog on New Year's Day. The Mavericks held the Heat to just 37.2% from the field, 21.2% from behind the 3-point arc and outrebounded them 59-49.
The Bulls were trampled by the Milwaukee Bucks as 14.5-point underdogs in a 126-96 loss Jan. 1. Chicago was on a two-game winning streak, but both were against a then-winless Washington Wizards team.
Despite Doncic averaging 30.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 9.5 assists in two games against the Bulls last year, Chicago split the season series and held a 1-1-0 ATS edge.
This is a perfect fade the market spot: 85% of the money is coming in on the Mavericks, according to Pregame.com, which caused Dallas to move up from a 5.5-point opening line favorite. This would be more of a lock if the Mavericks spent a weekend night in a normal (fun) Chicago nightlife but obviously, it's pretty tough for a professional athlete to navigate the social scene given the circumstances.
Furthermore, I am selling Mavericks stock until they start to put together consecutive quality performances. GIMME BULLS +6.5 (-115) for 1.5 units.
Over/Under (O/U)
Heading into Sunday's game with Chicago, Dallas has the sixth-best defensive efficiency in the league; however, I am not sure how real that defensive production is for the Mavericks.
Again, Miami shot terribly more than Dallas stifled them on D. The Mavericks gave up 118 points to the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday and Charlotte is 21st in offensive efficiency. That 124-73 win over the Clippers on Dec. 27 is as random as it gets.
Lastly, we might be getting value because of the Under cashing in five straight Mavericks-Bulls games in Chicago. I think the trend ends Sunday so I'll leanOVER 224.5 (-110) for a half-unit.
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Hoops Hype:
- The worst teams ever to pay the luxury tax (prominently featuring the Knicks)
- Rumors : Mavericks | Bulls
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