The Chicago Bulls will look to recover from a three-game home losing streak as they host the Charlotte Hornets at the United Center on Friday night.
Both of these teams have played below their totals somewhat consistently this year, which is why I’m taking the Under in my Hornets vs. Bulls predictions for tonight’s game.
I’ll dig deeper into tonight’s matchup between Chicago and Charlotte in my free NBA picks for Friday, January 17.
Hornets vs Bulls prediction
My best bet
Under 234.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
If you’re looking to back the Under in NBA play this year, there haven’t been many teams better to place your bets on than the Charlotte Hornets.
The Hornets have made bettors a lot of money on the Under, as they have the second-worst offensive rating in the league and are averaging only 106.5 ppg this season while still managing to play reasonable defense despite their horrid 9-28 record.
Charlotte ranks dead last in the league in field goal percentage at 42.8% and isn’t much better from beyond the arc, shooting just 34.1% from three-point range. LaMelo Ball is one of the league’s best scorers, putting up 29.6 ppg, and Brandon Miller is also contributing a solid 21.0 ppg.
But the Hornets aren’t getting much support down the lineup or off the bench, which has kept the Charlotte offense near the bottom of most NBA stats – especially when combined with its below-average pace of play.
The Chicago Bulls have been better offensively, averaging 117.5 ppg and shooting an efficient 46.9% from the field. Zach LaVine (23.8 ppg) and Nikola Vucevic (20.1 ppg) have paced a solid attack that’s about league-average in offensive efficiency.
However, that offense hasn’t shown up quite as well as expected as of late. Chicago has hit the Under in five of its last six games, including a disappointing 94-point effort against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.
Maybe we shouldn’t put too much stock into what the Bulls have done over their last few games. Still, it’s not as though this team has gone well above tonight’s total this year, while Charlotte has generally played well below the 234.5-point mark that oddsmakers have set for tonight.
We can also look at the recent history between these teams for some guidance here. The Bulls and Hornets have hit the Under in eight of their last 10 games, including both of their contests this season. In those two games, they never combined for more than 123 points, including one matchup that went to overtime.
There’s nothing to suggest that this game will approach the total tonight, which is set unusually high given the history of this matchup and Charlotte’s general style of play. I’m taking the Under.
Hornets vs Bulls same-game parlay
Under 234.5
Zach LaVine 25+ points
Bulls ML
Along with taking the Under tonight, I’m also picking the Bulls to win outright in this game.
Chicago has not only covered in the last eight meetings between these teams, but they have also beaten the Hornets in eight straight games, a trend that is likely to continue in a home game for the Bulls tonight.
As a part of that win, I’m also taking Zach LaVine to score at least 25 points. LaVine has been the most consistent scorer for Chicago in 2025 and has scored at least 25 points in seven of his eight games since New Year’s Day.
While the one time he came up short was in the Bulls’ most recent game against the Atlanta Hawks, I still like him to hit that total tonight as he’s averaging 30.0 ppg in January.
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Hornets vs Bulls odds
Hornets vs Bulls live odds
Hornets vs Bulls opening odds
- Spread: Charlotte +4.5 (-110) | Chicago -4.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Charlotte (+155) | Chicago (-195)
- Over/Under: Over 235.5 (-110) | Under 235.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Hornets vs Bulls spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Hornets are 19-17-1 against the spread this season, with the Bulls posting an even 20-20-1 ATS record on the year.
- Chicago is 8-0 ATS in its last eight games against Charlotte overall.
- The Under has a 22-14-1 record in Charlotte’s games this year and also has a 22-19 edge in Chicago’s contests this season.
- The Bulls are averaging a total of 238.0 ppg this season, with the Hornets coming in with an average total of 218.9 ppg.
Hornets vs Bulls trend
The Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between the Bulls and Hornets. Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Bulls.
How to watch Hornets vs Bulls
| Location: | United Center, Chicago, Illinois |
| Date: | Friday, 1-17-2025 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FDSN, CHSN |
Hornets vs Bulls latest injuries
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