The Chicago Bulls (17-17) and Charlotte Hornets (11-23) will face off Saturday at 8 p.m. ET at the United Center located in Chicago. Let’s examine BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA lines for the Hornets vs. Bulls matchup and provide our expert Top NBA selections and forecasts predictions.
The Hornets fell to the Milwaukee Bucks 122-121 on Friday in their latest game but were able to cover as a 6-point road underdog while the Over (233.5) hit. First-year player F Kon Knueppel topped the scoring with 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting. Charlotte has dropped 3 consecutive games but maintains a 4-5 record in its last 9 matchups, achieving a 6-3 mark against the spread (ATS) during that period. The Hornets have an 18-15-1 record against the spread this season.
The Bulls defeated the Orlando Magic 121-114 at home on Friday, successfully covering as a 5-point home underdog. The Over (233.5) just managed to reach the target. F Matas Buzelis led the Bulls with 21 points, highlighted by a poster dunk over Magic guard Jalen Suggs. Chicago has secured 2 consecutive wins and 7 out of its last 9, covering the spread in each win. The Bulls have a record of 16-16-2 against the spread this season.
Bulls vs. Hornets prediction lines
Moneyline (ML): Hornets +105 (wager $100 to gain $105) | Bulls -125 (wager $125 to gain $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +1.5 (-105) | Bulls -1.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 240.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Hornets vs. Bulls significant injuries
Hornet
F Moussa Diabate (wrist) is unavailable.
C Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) unavailable
F Grant Williams (knee) unavailable
Bulls
F Zach Collins (toe) is unavailable.
G Josh Giddey (hamstring) not playing
G Coby White (calf) not available
For the latest updates: Official NBA injury report
Hornets vs. Bulls predictions and betting choices
Forecasting
Bulls 126, Hornets 118
WAGER ON BULLS (-125).
The Bulls are the choice in this situation, particularly on their home turf. Their size can trouble a Hornets team missing a few important big players. Chicago has averaged 127.5 points per game in its last 2 matches and has also enhanced its defense, permitting 118 or less in 4 of its past 5 games. The Bulls have a record of 3-2 in their last five games at home.
The Hornets are capable of scoring alongside top teams, yet they struggle to defend effectively. They have permitted over 122 points in three consecutive games and are 1-3 in their last four away games. Charlotte shares the fifth-worst away record in the NBA with a record of 4-13.
Select BULLS (-125).
PASS
Although the spread is manageable for the Bulls, since 2 of their previous 5 victories were by a single-score difference, the moneyline provides a more secure prediction.
WAGER ON OVER 240.5 (-110).
The Bulls have surpassed the total in 2 consecutive games, tallying a minimum of 121 points in each. They have permitted a minimum of 114 points in three consecutive games.
The Hornets have been red-hot offensively, hitting at least 120 points in 5 of their past 6 games. With players positioned throughout the court, anticipate them to keep scoring on Saturday. Furthermore, those defensive weaknesses are likely to create a high-scoring contest.
Back OVER 240.5 (-110).
