The Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls clash for the second time this week. Will the Bulls beat LA again? Or, will the Lakers get back in the win column?
Catch this game live on Thursday, March 30, at 8:00 AM, Manila time
Away: Los Angeles Lakers (37-38/16-20 Away)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: D’Angelo Russell (probable)
- SG: Austin Reaves
- SF: LeBron James (questionable)
- PF: Jarred Vanderbilt
- C: Anthony Davis (probable)
Just when LeBron James made his return from a lengthy absence, the Lakers saw their momentum take a hit when they lost to the Bulls last Monday at home, 118-108. Prior to that, the Lakers were on a three-game win streak. James is listed as questionable for Thursday’s game, but that label could just be precautionary. James came off the bench in the Chicago game and scored 19 points with eight rebounds and three assists in 30 minutes.
There is also a chance that D’Angelo Russell will return to active duty after missing two games due to left hip soreness. In 11 games with the Lakers this season, Russell has averaged 18.6 points on 47.1 FG% and 39.5 3FG%. Anthony Davis is probable as well, but he seems to be trending positively with regard to his status versus the Bulls. The Lakers, who should benefit from having two days of full rest before meeting the Bulls again, are 5-1 ATS in their last six trips to Windy City.
Home: Chicago Bulls (36-39/20-17 Home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Ayo Dosunmu
- SG: Zach LaVine
- SF: DeMar DeRozan
- PF: Patrick Williams
- C: Nikola Vucevic
The Bulls finished their three-game road trip in a 124-112 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last Tuesday. Before that, they bludgeoned the Portland Trail Blazers last Saturday, 124-96, before the aforementioned win against the Lakers. The Bulls played the Clippers on the second leg of a back-to-back so fatigue might have been a factor for them in that contest.
They got a rest Wednesday, though. The Bulls are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games after just a full day of rest – a good sign for their upcoming showdown versus the Lakers. Moreover, the Bulls have covered the spread in five of their last seven overall outings. Zach LaVine torched the Lakers for 32 points last Monday, while the Bulls’ defense forced 18 LA turnovers. Playing at home and with fresher legs, the Bulls, who are 10th in the league with a defensive 6.1% turnover rate, could prove to be hard to crack again for the Lakers.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: The Bulls (+2) cover the spread.
Over/Under: The total (226.0) hits the Over.
