Bulls vs. Trail Blazers Analysis & Prediction 3/24/23

Chicago Bulls (34-38 SU, 36-36-0 ATS) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (32-40 SU, 35-37-0 ATS)
When: Friday, March 24th, 10:00 PM (ET)
Where: Moda Center, OR, Portland
TV: NBCS

Point Spread: Chi -2.0/Por +2
Total: OFF
Money Line: Chicago Bulls -131/+108

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Notable Injuries

Bulls

• DeMar DeRozan (Questionable) Quad
• Alex Caruso (Questionable) Foot
• Lonzo Ball (Out) Knee
• Javonte Green (Probable) Knee
• Justin Lewis (Out) ACL

Trail Blazers

• Damian Lillard (Probable) Calf
• Jerami Grant (Out) Quad
• Jusuf Nurkic (Questionable) Knee
• Justise Winslow (Out) Ankle
• Anfernee Simons (Out) Foot
• Nassir Little (Questionable) Concussion
• Ibou Badji (Out) Knee

Recent Form

Heading into the game, Chicago is 34-38 overall. When taking to the road, Chicago has a mark of 14-21 and a win percentage of 40%. Currently, the team is 10th in the Eastern Conference. So far, they are 36-36-0 vs. the spread. When looking at how the team has performed of late straight and vs. the spread, they are 3-2 in their past five games and 3-2 ATS. Over their past ten games, they are 6-4 SU and 5-5 ATS.

Most recently, Chicago lost to the 76ers by a score of 116-91. Coby White and his 19 points were not enough for the team to pull out a win as 1-point underdogs. The Bulls also finished with an ATS loss in the game.

Heading into the game, Portland is 32-40 overall. When playing at home, Portland has a mark of 17-18 and a win percentage of 49%. Currently, the team is 13th in the Western Conference. So far, they are 35-37-0 vs. the spread. In Portland’s last five games, the Trail Blazers have a straight-up record of 1-4 while going 1-4 in those games. Going back to the last 10, they are 3-7 and 4-6 ATS.

Portland will be looking to build on their most recent win over the Jazz. Damian Lillard led the team to a win with his 30 points. The Trail Blazers were 5-point underdogs on the spread, giving them an ATS win.

The Historicals

In the most recent matchup between the two teams, the Bulls picked up the 129-121 win over the Trail Blazers. The Bulls’ margin of victory was enough to cover the spread as a 3.0-point favorite. This has been the only matchup between the two teams this season. Across the previous five meetings between the teams, the Bulls have an average scoring margin of +3 points per game, leading to an ATS mark of 3-2. Chicago and Portland averaged a combined 235 points per game in these games, leading to an over-under mark of 3-2.

Analysis

This year, the Chicago offense is not only near the NBA average in points at 113.2 points per game, but they are also playing at a pace similar to the league average. So far, the Bulls are ranked 16th in possessions per contest. Chicago comes into the game ranked just 30th in 3-point attempts per game. So far, they have connected on 36.2% of their shots from deep, which places them 30th in the NBA. On defense, the Bulls allow an average of 112.0 points per game, placing them 17th in the league. So far, teams have shot 36.4% on their looks from outside vs. Chicago. This figure places them 23rd in 3-point shooting defense.

Heading into this matchup, Chicago is in jeopardy of not having DeMar DeRozan in the lineup as he is questionable. This season, he is the team’s second-leading scorer at 25.1 points per game. So far, Zach LaVine leads the team in scoring and is averaging 24.9 points per contest.

This season, the Trail Blazers offense averages 114.4 points per game, which is 15th in the NBA. In terms of pace, Portland has been playing at one of the slower tempo’s in the league, averaging just 97.7 possessions per game. Portland’s offensive attack has benefited from some hot shooting from outside. Not only are they among the league leaders in 3-pointers attempted per game, but they are 10th in 3-point shooting percentage at 37.0%. The defense has been a struggle for Portland, as they are currently allowing 115.11 points per game. The team’s 3-point shooting defense has been a problem this year. So far, opposing offenses have hit 36.95% of their looks from the outside.

Heading into today’s game, Portland will need a strong offensive effort from Damian Lillard and the team’s supporting cast, as Anfernee Simons won’t be available vs. Chicago. So far, Simons is averaging 21.1 points per game. Lillard leads the Trail Blazers at 32.2 points per contest.

Betting Trends

• The Bulls are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Friday games.
• The Bulls are 3-7 ATS in their last ten games following a straight-up loss.
• The Trail Blazers are 4-0 ATS in their last four games vs. a team with a losing straight-up record.
• The Trail Blazers are 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

I don’t trust the Portland Trail Blazers right now, as Lillard came out and said he recognizes that their season is in the crapper. Furthermore, the Bulls present problems in the paint for Portland. Lastly, the Bulls got embarrassed in their last game and should come out uber-motivated to have a good game. I’m betting Chicago minus the points. Rough March Madness? Don’t re-deposit at your bookie for NOTHING! Consider using one of our sportsbook promo codes to grab a 100% real cash bonus (or more!)