The Los Angeles Clippers are still in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the West and they’ll try to close the gap at the top as they host the Chicago Bulls this afternoon.
Despite Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden all appearing as questionable on the injury report, the Clippers enter as comfortable NBA odds favorites — and they’re coming off a 122-116 win over the Houston Rockets midweek.
The Bulls are likely locked into the No.9 spot in the East, but they’ve had an eye-catching road trip so far, with three straight wins, including a 125-122 victory against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.
Check out my Bulls vs. Clippers free NBA picks for a closer look at the March 9 odds and storylines.
Bulls vs Clippers odds
Bulls vs Clippers predictions
After waving away the cries for a rebuild at the deadline, the Bulls have looked determined to make the best of things this year. They landed three good road wins this week, finding an identity as the postseason draws closer, and I see them riding that form again today.
Chicago has won four of its last five games overall. DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic took center stage with 33 points apiece against the Warriors, with Coby White also continuing to impress as a scorer.
With the uncertainties around the Clippers’ lineup, the 7.5-point line is surprisingly high, and it would be no surprise if L.A. takes a cautious approach with their stars with another game on deck tomorrow.
Sure, the hosts’ depth has been a strength this year, but Russell Westbrook is already out with a hand injury and the Clippers are 6-6 since February 7.
It’s hard to bet against the hosts’ 21-8 mark on their home floor, but I like taking this many points with the Bulls in this spot.
My best bet: Bulls +7.5 (-110 at BetRivers)
Bulls vs Clippers same-game parlay
Bulls +7.5
Nikola Vucevic Over 11.5 rebounds
Alex Caruso Over 1.5 threes made
If Chicago is going to keep this contest close, Vucevic has to win the frontcourt battle against L.A.’s trio of centers. Ivica Zubac is expected back for the Clippers this afternoon, with Daniel Theis and Mason Plumlee in backup roles — so the visitors are going to need Vucevic’s size in the paint.
The 33-year-old has been a double-double machine, piling up 36 this season (seventh-most in the NBA). He’s had 12 or more rebounds in five of his last eight outings, and I see him putting up another big stat line in this afternoon tip.
I’m also picking Alex Caruso to be dialed in from beyond the arc. He’s shooting 38% on triples this season and he’s made two of more 3-pointers in five of his past eight contests.
The Clippers’ transition defense has been an issue all season, and I see that contributing to open looks for Caruso, who’s overqualified to be Chicago’s fifth option in the starting group.
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Bulls vs Clippers spread and Over/Under analysis
I’ve already picked the Bulls to cover the spread, and it’s worth noting that the line dropped from 9.5 to 7.5 overnight, which could be a nod to the likelihood of the Clippers’ star trio being on the court.
Chicago is a respectable 15-17 away from United Center, with encouraging signs over the past week, in particular. Road wins this month over the Warriors, Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans speak volumes for the visitors’ progress.
Meanwhile, the Clippers have faltered over the past month, and they’re 3-7 ATS in their past 10 contests. Playoff seeding is a consideration, but health is the bigger priority for Kawhi & Co. over the final five weeks of the season.
The total sits at 221.5, seemingly factoring in the possible L.A. absences. The Under is 35-26 for the Clippers this season — and it’s cashed in for five of their last seven outings.
But the Bulls have gone past this total in three straight games, and I’m leaning towards the Over with the visitors boasting a balanced offense that’s averaged 119 ppg in their past three contests.
Bulls vs Clippers betting trend to know
The Bulls have found a rhythm offensively since the calendar flipped to 2024 — and they’ve hit the team total Over in 20 of their last 26 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Clippers.
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Bulls vs Clippers game info
| Location: | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date: | Saturday, March 9, 2024 |
| Tip-off: | 4:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBC Sports Chicago, Bally Sports SoCal |
Bulls vs Clippers latest injuries
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