The Atlanta Hawks, who are 8-9 as visitors this season, will meet the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, December 26th, 2023 (8:10 PM ET). The Bulls, who have done well in recent weeks, are perhaps surprising underdogs in the game at +1.0 (bet365). At first glance, I expected Chicago to be the home favorite in this game. My Hawks vs Bulls prediction is that Chicago will win this game and probably by more than a one-possession spread.
NBA Matchup: Hawks vs Bulls
Away: Atlanta Hawks
Home: Chicago Bulls
Game time: Tuesday, December 26th, 2023 @ 8:10 PM ET
Hawks vs Bulls odds (home team's spread): +1.0 (bet365)
Atlanta vs Chicago Prediction: Recent NBA Headlines
The Atlanta Hawks are just 12-17 this season. That is a record that they have fallen to, mainly over the last month. This was an 8-7 team in late November but a 4-10 stretch has set a really bad tone for this Atlanta team. They last played on Saturday, a game that they lost to Memphis 125-119.
Atlanta Hawks injuries: recent news
The Hawks might be down two starters on Tuesday. De'Andre Hunter is out for at least two weeks so their starting forward is out for sure. Meanwhile, Jalen Johnson's playing status is not clear, with updates to be expected on game day. Johnson has not played since November 25th so even if he returns, expectations for the player should be reasonable.
Double-check for playing status updates with Atlanta (15:06 ET time of writing):: Team's Depth Chart
The Bulls are coming off of a loss to Cleveland on Saturday. But for about a month now, Chicago has started to make a case for themselves as a middle power in the NBA. They have gone 8-4 in their last 12 games with wins during that time over Milwaukee, New Orleans, Miami, Philadelphia, and the LA Lakers. The Bulls are by no means over their head in a game against the struggling Atlanta Hawks.
Chicago Bulls: Recent Form Alert
Formerly: 5 - 14 heading into November 30th, 2023
Currently: 13 - 18 (overall)
Recent form: 8 - 4 since November 30th, 2023
Recent winning rate: .667
Chicago Bulls injuries: recent news
Chicago's depth chart is clear except for injuries that were already known. There should be some kind of update with Zach LaVine soon, a player that went out in early December. However, the Bulls have done well without him. If you are backing the Bulls, then you want to see LaVine out with loads of touches for Coby White, who is averaging 23.8 points per game this month.
Double-check status updates Chicago (15:06 ET time of writing):: Team's Depth Chart
Hawks vs Bulls Prediction: Betting Tips
The Bulls with a handicap point look like a steal at -110 (bet365). The only difference between +1.0 and the moneyline in NBA basketball is that +1.0 is a push if your team loses by 1 (ie. there are no ties). Bettors could take the point to cover that scenario or just nab Chicago at EVEN odds to win.
For prop betting, this isn't a bad game to take the Bulls to win on an adjusted spread. The Bulls could be considered -6.0 favorites in this game as opposed to +1.0 underdogs. A coin toss at -5.5 on Chicago's alternative spread is +170. The way I'm looking at it, that's where the EVEN odds should be.
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