Bulls vs. Pistons Odds & Picks 3/9/22

Chicago Bulls (39-26 SU, 36-28-1 ATS) vs. Detroit Pistons (18-47 SU, 33-31-1 ATS)
When: Wednesday March 09 2022, 07:00 PM (ET)
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
TV: NBCSCH

Point Spread: CHI -6/DET +6 (Opened CHI -6.5 SportsBetting.ag)
Total: 226.5 (Opened at 226)
Money Line: Chicago -252/Detroit 204
Power Rating:

Probable Starting Lineups

Chicago Bulls PG Ayo Dosunmu, SG Zach LaVine, SF Javonte Green, PF DeMar DeRozan, C Nikola Vucevic Q
Detroit Pistons PG Cory Joseph, SG Cade Cunningham, SF Saddiq Bey, PF Jerami Grant, C Marvin Bagley III

Key Injuries

Chicago Bulls Nikola Vucevic: Hamstring (QUESTIONABLE) Patrick Williams: Wrist (OUT) Lonzo Ball: Knee (OUT) Alex Caruso: Wrist (OUT)

Detroit Pistons Killian Hayes: Groin (QUESTIONABLE) Isaiah Stewart: Knee (OUT) Jamorko Pickett: Toe (OUT)

The Detroit Pistons host the Chicago Bulls in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 07:00 PM ET at the Little Caesars Arena.

Recent Form

The Chicago Bulls come into this game with an overall record of 39-26, placing them 4th in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, Chicago has struggled in their 31 road contests, sitting at 15-16. Over the Bulls’ last five games, they have picked up just 0 wins. In this stretch, Chicago’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 110.0 points per game. Combined, the Bulls’ last five opponents are giving up 108.0 points per contest. A key reason for Chicago’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 119.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 111.0. In the Chicago Bulls’ most recent game, the team fell to Philadelphia by a score of 121-106.

The Detroit Pistons come into this game with an overall record of 18-47, placing them 14th in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, Detroit has struggled in their 32 home contests, sitting at 11-21. The Pistons have played well over their last five games, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, Detroit is averaging 114.0 points per game, 10.0 points more than their season average of 103.5. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 111.0 points per contest. The Pistons have been picking up victories while holding opponents to an average of 113.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 112.5. In the Detroit Pistons’ most recent game, Detroit took down Atlanta by a score of 113-110.

Individual Player Analysis

As Chicago travels to take on the Detroit Pistons, the Bulls’ leading scorer is DeMar DeRozan. Through 61 games, DeRozan is averaging 28 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 46.0% of his games. As DeRozan gets set to take on the Pistons, he could be in line for a big game as Detroit is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 52.73% of their games. This figure places them 25th among NBA defenses. On the other side, Jerami Grant leads the Pistons in scoring, averaging 19 points across his 41 games. Throughout the season, Grant has outscored his season average in 49.0% of his outings. On the season, the Bulls have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 49.06% of their games, giving them a rank of 18th among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Chicago Bulls are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 7 of Chicago’s 31 games, leading to a winning percentage of 71%. So far, the Detroit Pistons have played 54 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 54 times, by an average margin of -11.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons have met up for 3 games. In their last meeting, Chicago picked up a 133-87 win.

How the Public is Betting the Bulls vs Pistons

67% are betting the Bulls against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 226.0

More Picks: Get Joe’s take and free pick on the Celtics vs. Hornets 3/9/22 game >>>

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Bulls are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
• Bulls are 16-7-1 ATS in their last 24 games as a road favorite.
• Pistons are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
• Pistons are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into game time, keep an eye on the injury report, as Nikola Vucevic is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. Despite their dismal record, Detroit is an above .500 team against the spread. However, with a line set at 6.5 points in favor of the Bulls, I still like Chicago to cover. Throughout the year, the narrative surrounding the Chicago Bulls is the fact that they can take care of business vs bad teams but struggle against elite opponents. I expect this trend to continue tonight.