Charlotte Hornets vs Chicago Bulls Betting Pick & Prediction 12/13/24

At 8:00 ET, the Bulls (-223) will host the Hornets (+186) in an Eastern Conference matchup. Chicago (10-15) is favored by 5.5 points over Charlotte (7-17).

This game will be played at the United Center in Chicago and can be seen on CHSN. The over/under line for this game is 231 points.

CHARLOTTE HORNETS VS CHICAGO BULLS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Chicago Bulls -5.5

This game will be played at United Center at 8:00 ET on Friday, December 13th.

WHY BET THE CHICAGO BULLS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 141-110 in favor of the Bulls.
• Our projections have Zach LaVine finishing with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
• From the field, we have the Bulls finishing with a field goal percentage of 46.1% and knocking down 20 threes.

Is a Win at Chicago Possible for the Hornets?

The Hornets improved to 7-17 on the season with a 113-109 win over the Pacers on Sunday. Charlotte, who were +11.5 point underdogs, not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread. The game’s total of 222 points just missed the O/U line of 222.5.

Charlotte led 28-24 after the 1st quarter, but the Pacers edged them 38-35 in the 2nd. Both teams scored 20 points in the 3rd, leaving the Hornets with a narrow 83-82 lead heading into the final quarter. Charlotte outscored Indiana 30-27 in the 4th to seal the win.

Brandon Miller’s 26 points and 6 rebounds helped the Hornets to a win over the Pacers, with Miller hitting 4 threes. Vasilije Micic also made 4 threes, shooting 66.7% from deep and finishing with 18 points and 9 assists. Cody Martin added 14 points, shooting 60% from the field.

As a team, the Hornets made 14 threes, shooting 48.3% from beyond the arc and 51.3% overall. Miller scored 11 points in the 4th quarter, while Micic added 13 of his points in the 2nd quarter.

Despite a rough 2nd quarter where they allowed 38 points, the Hornets tightened up their defense in the 3rd, giving up just 20 points to help secure the win. Overall, they allowed 109 points on 51% shooting from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Hornets held the Pacers to 12 threes on 33% shooting. They also sent Indiana to the line 15 times, where they hit 13 free throws. Charlotte finished with 11 steals and 3 blocks.

Will the Bulls Live Up to Expectations at Home?

Chicago’s season record dropped to 10-15 after a 108-100 loss to the 76ers on Sunday. The Bulls, who were +3 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread at home. The game’s total of 208 points was well below the O/U line of 236.5.

Chicago started strong, going on a 10-0 run to take a 14-4 lead and ended the 1st quarter up 33-23. However, they struggled in the 2nd quarter, getting outscored 39-17. The Bulls tried to rally, winning the 3rd quarter 29-26 and the 4th 21-20, but couldn’t overcome the deficit.

In the Bulls’ 108-100 loss to the 76ers, Zach LaVine led the way with 30 points, including 11 in the 4th quarter. He connected on 6 threes, shooting 42.9% from deep and 47.6% overall. Nikola Vucevic and Coby White each added 13 points, with White hitting 3 threes despite shooting just 29.4% from the field.

Chicago made 19 threes as a team, shooting 35.2% from beyond the arc. Their overall field goal percentage was just 40.7%. LaVine scored 10 points in the 1st quarter and added another 11 in the final period.

The Bulls’ defense struggled in the 2nd quarter, giving up 39 points, which proved costly in their 108-100 loss to the 76ers. However, they tightened up in the 4th, allowing just 20 points. Overall, Chicago held Philadelphia to 46% shooting.

Chicago did well defending the three, limiting the 76ers to 9 made threes on 25% shooting. The Bulls sent Philadelphia to the line 14 times, with the 76ers converting 13. Defensively, the Bulls recorded 9 steals and 3 blocks.