Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls Predictions 2/24/22

Atlanta Hawks (28-30 SU, 26-32-0 ATS) vs. Chicago Bulls (38-21 SU, 35-23-1 ATS)
When: Thursday February 24 2022, 08:00 PM (ET)
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
TV: BSSE-ATL

Point Spread: ATL +4/CHI -4(Opened at CHI -4 at Pinnacle)
Total: 234.5 (Opened at 234.5)
Money Line: Atlanta 135/Chicago -167
Power Rating: CHI -7.5

Probable Starting Lineups

Atlanta Hawks PG Trae Young, SG Kevin Huerter, SF De’Andre Hunter, PF Danilo Gallinari, C Clint Capela
Chicago Bulls PG Ayo Dosunmu IN, SG Zach LaVine IN, SF Javonte Green, PF DeMar DeRozan, C Nikola Vucevic

Key Injuries

Hawks John Collins: heel (OUT)

Bulls Lonzo Ball: knee (OUT) Alex Caruso: wrist (OUT) Zach LaVine: knee (OUT) Patrick Williams: wrist (OUT)

The Atlanta Hawks travel to take on the Chicago Bulls in an Eastern Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM ET at the United Center.

Recent Form

The Atlanta Hawks come into this game with an overall record of 28-30, placing them 10th in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, Atlanta has struggled in their 28 road contests, sitting at 11-17. Over their last five games, the Hawks have played well, picking up three wins. During this stretch, Atlanta is averaging 121.0 points per game, 9.0 points more than their season average of 112.2. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 108.0 points per contest. Even though Atlanta has been picking up wins, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 116.0 points per game, up from Hawks’ usual rate of 111.8.’ In the Atlanta Hawk’s most recent game, Atlanta took down Orlando by a score of 130-109

The Chicago Bulls come into this game with an overall record of 38-21, placing them 1st in the Eastern Conference. So far, Chicago is above .500 at home, holding a record of 23-8. The Bulls have played well over their last five games, picking up five wins. During this stretch, Chicago is averaging 121.0 points per game, 8.0 points more than their season average of 112.6. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 112.0 points per contest. The Bulls have been picking up victories while holding opponents to an average of 112.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 110.4. In the Chicago Bulls’ most recent game, Chicago took down Sacramento by a score of 125-118.

Individual Player Analysis

As Atlanta travels to take on the Chicago Bulls, the Hawks’ leading scorer is Trae Young. Through 53 games, Young is averaging 27 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 55.0% of his games. Against the Bulls, Young will need to be on top of his game as Chicago is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 42.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, DeMar DeRozan leads the Bulls in scoring, averaging 28 points across his 55 games. Throughout the season, DeRozan has outscored his season average in 45.0% of his outings. Given that Atlanta’s defense has struggled to slow down their opponent’s top scorers, DeMar DeRozan should be in line for a big performance. So far, the Hawks have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 53.19 of their games, giving them a rank of 7th among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

The Hawks come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 111.6 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Atlanta is winning at a rate of 50. These victories are coming by an average margin of 13.0 points. On the other side, the Bulls hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 13 games as the better defensive team, picking up 12 wins (77%).

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The Historicals

Tonight’s game between Chicago and Atlanta will be their third meeting of the season. So far, the Bulls have won both contests.

How the Public is Betting the Hawks vs Bulls

56% are betting the Bulls against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 227

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Hawks are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a straight-up win of more than 10 points.
• Hawks are 7-3 ATS in their last ten games following an ATS win.
• Bulls are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
• Bulls are 5-1 ATS in their last six after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

The Chicago Bulls are set to resume play, hoping to pick up where they left off. Before the All-Star Break, Chicago rattled off five-straight wins, moving them into a tie for first place in the Eastern Conference. With Zach Lavine likely returning to the lineup, look for Chicago to pick up the win and cover the spread.