Brooklyn Nets at Chicago Bulls Predictions 1/12/22

When: Wednesday, January 12th, 2022, 10:00 pm (ET)

Where: United Center, Chicago, IL

TV: ESPN

Point Spread: BKN +1/CHI -1 (Opened at -1 at BetOnline – Awesome live betting platform and 35% crytpo relaods!)

Total: 227.5 (Opened at 227.5)

Money Line: BKN -105/CHI -120

Power Rating: CHI -4

Probable Starting Lineups

Brooklyn Nets: PG James Harden, SG Kyrie Irving, SF David Duke, PF Kevin Durant, C Nicolas Claxton

Chicago Bulls: PG Lonzo Ball, SG Zach LaVine, SF Derrick Jones, PF DeMar DeRozan, C Nikola Vucevic

Key Injuries

Brooklyn Nets: G Kyrie Irving *Questionable* (Ankle), F Nicolas Claxton *Questionable* (Hamstring), G James Harden *Questionable* (Knee), F LaMarcus Aldridge *Out* (Foot), F Joe Harris *Out* (Ankle)

Chicago Bulls: F Tyler Cook *Out* (Ankle), F Javonte Green *Out* (Adductor), G Alex Caruso *Out* (Covid/Foot), F Patrick Williams *Out* (Wrist)

Recent Form

The Brooklyn Nets hold a 25-14 record going into this matchup and sit 2nd in the Eastern Conference. Despite a dominant record and sitting among the best teams in the East, the Nets have seen some adversity in recent games. After an 8-4 month of December, Brooklyn is off to a shaky January, going 2-4 in their first six games of the new year. In Monday’s makeup game vs. the Trail Blazers, the Nets came up short in a 114-108 final. Their offense hasn’t been a lack thereof, averaging 114.5 PPG in their last six, but rather their defense, who has given up 118.8 over that same stretch. Playing in the Eastern Conference, where we typically expect lower scoring games, giving up over 118 PPG isn’t going to cut it against the top teams. The Nets offense is led by Kevin Durant, who has put himself into the MVP conversation, averaging 29.8 PPG. As a team, Brooklyn has the 8th best scoring offense with 110.9 PPG. Defensively, they sit 18th, allowing 108.6 PPG.

The Chicago Bulls come into this game with a 27-11 record, which is best in the Eastern Conference. After an offseason of highly skilled players, Chicago has burst onto the scene as one of the NBA’s best teams after years of missing the playoffs with below-average seasons. The Bulls had one of the best December records, going 9-2. Chicago picked up right where they left off as they are 4-1 to start January. Last time on the floor, the Bulls shot the lights out, dropping 133 points in a win over the Pistons. The Bulls will be tested in the coming weeks, having to play the Nets, Warriors, Grizzlies, and Cavaliers just in the next calendar week. The Chicago Bulls are led by DeMar DeRozan, who is averaging 26.4 PPG. The Bulls are the 7th best scoring offense, averaging 111.5 PPG this season. Defensively, they sit 12th, giving up 107.0 PPG.

Nets on the Road

The Brooklyn Nets have become one of the best road teams this season with a 14-4 record away from Barclays Center. Adding to that domination now, the Nets have been reunited with Kyrie Irving, who is taking a rare “part-time” role as he remains unvaccinated and can only play on the road the rest of the way out. Irving has plugged into the offense nicely, as he delivered two 22-point outings since his return. From a bettor’s perspective, the Nets have been a solid bet, going 10-8 ATS so far this season. Lately, the Nets have two different streaks against the spread going into this game. Overall, Brooklyn is 0-7 ATS, including five of which were at home as favorites. The better streak they are currently on is their 4-0 record against the spread as an underdog in their last four games. Brooklyn goes into this game once again as an underdog, though just a one-point line. Against a stellar Bulls defense that allows just 105.5 PPG at home, the Nets will need Kyrie to contribute once again, as Durant will not be able to do it on his own as he has been able to do against lesser teams in the league.

Bulls at Home

The Chicago Bulls have once again made the United Center a fun venue for basketball with their 15-4 record at home this season. Bulls acquisition DeMar DeRozan has an impressive stat line at home and will be heavily relied on once again to deliver against a great visiting Nets team. DeRozan is averaging 25.1 PPG at home and is shooting 47.6% from the floor. The one downside to his play at home has been his 3-point shooting, as he is just 20.7% from range at United Center. I would expect DeRozan to take some closer shots in this one and get the ball to some of his better perimeter shooters like Ball and LaVine, as Durant’s 7+ foot frame will make it hard to knock down shots from a distance. Against the spread, the Bulls hold an impressive 13-6 record. In recent home games, the Bulls have been dominant, going 5-1 both overall and as favorites in their last six home games. I expect the Bulls defense to hold the Nets below their road average of 113.7 points and run away with this one in the 4th quarter when they average a league-best 29.1 points at home.

The Historicals

Wednesday night will be the third time these teams meet this season. In their first two matchups, the Bulls won each of them. The most recent game was a close 111-107 final, but the first game, which was in Chicago, was a lopsided 118-95 final. Looking back at the last few seasons, it has been a close series, though the Bulls have the 3-2 edge over the last five games.

How the Public is Betting the Nets vs. Bulls

56% are betting the Bulls against the spread.

59% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 227.5.

More Picks: Get Joe’s Wednesday’s Mavs vs. Knicks Betting Predictions >>>

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• The Brooklyn Nets are 0-7 ATS in their last seven games.
• The Brooklyn Nets are 4-0 ATS in their last four games as an underdog.
• The Chicago Bulls are 5-1 ATS in their last six games as a home favorite.
• The Chicago Bulls are 1-4 ATS in their last five games.
• The Over is 4-1 in the Nets’ last five road games.
• The Over is 4-0 in the Bulls’ last four games playing on 0 days’ rest.
• The Under is 6-0 in the last six games between the Nets and Bulls.

Collin’s Pick for Nets/Bulls

This Eastern Conference matchup is a clash between the top two teams with implications of a possible rematch down the road in the Eastern Conference Finals. Overall, the Nets are having a remarkable season, though recently, their defense has lacked when it matters most. The Bulls have played amazing at home and come in winners of 10 of their last 11 games. Across the board, the Bulls are the better team in this game and match up well against the Nets. In an Eastern Conference matchup, the team that plays better defense typically determines the pace and gets the win, and that team is once again the Chicago Bulls. Take the Chicago Bulls to cover the spread. Bet today’s game for FREE by scoring a 50% real cash bonus on your first deposit at Bovada Sportsbook! These guys have the best live betting platform on the web too! Plus, you get rebates on ALL your wagers; win, lose or draw! Click here to sign up now!