The Super Bowl is over, and now it’s time to start to focus on the NBA in the final week before the All Star Break. On Monday night it will be the Chicago Bulls visiting the Atlanta Hawks and this has the potential to be a great game.
Chicago just can’t seem to figure things out this season as consistent play has been a major issue. The Bulls have won three of their last five games, but they are still sitting at just 25-28 on the year.
The Hawks have been a disappointing team this season as well, but they have been playing better over the last few weeks. Atlanta has won two straight games and that has improved their record to 24-29 on the year.
Atlanta is coming into this game as a slim 3.5-point betting favorite over the Chicago Bulls on their home floor.
Bulls Finding Some Offense
The Chicago Bulls have been without several key players throughout the year, and scoring enough points has been a challenge at times. That hasn’t been a problem of late as this Bulls team has turned into one that is tough to stop.
The stats show that this team is scoring just 111 points per game, but Coby White has given this team another scoring threat that can take over the game. Chicago will let DeMar DeRozan set the tone on offense and he is scoring 22.5 points per game.
Depth has been an issue at times for the Bulls, and that will be something to keep an eye on in this game. The Bulls don’t want this game to become a shootout as they might not be able to keep pace.
Hawks Have to Defend
If the Atlanta Hawks are going to become a playoff contender this season then at some point they are going to have to defend. Atlanta consistently gives up over 120 points in a game, and no team in the league can make up for that lack of defense.
Trae Young is leading this team with 27.1 points and 10.8 assists per game this season, but he’s not good enough to win games on his own. Atlanta just can’t seem to stay healthy enough to help their best player, and that’s something to keep in mind as the season plays out.
Atlanta does want to speed up the tempo in this game as Chicago has proven to be a better team in the halfcourt.
Beat Beat the Hawks
Atlanta has not been a good defensive team, and that is going to create some issues against this Chicago Bulls team with some weapons. The Hawks just continue to deal with a number of major injury concerns, and those injuries are going to hurt them in this game.
Chicago hasn’t been extremely consistent this season, but they have been really good when things are going well. The Bulls just have to make enough shots in this game, and that’s going to happen in this one.
Bet on the Chicago Bulls moneyline as they are going to find a way to pick up a big win on the road on Monday night.
