Golden State (17-19) is probably glad to be on the road for the January 12th Warriors at Bulls betting matchup considering they just wrapped up a 2-5 home stand. Fans were especially not happy with the last two games, loudly voicing their displeasure in a 15 point loss to the Raptors and then a 36-point defeat against the Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Chicago (18-21) would gladly like to contribute to the Warriors’ ongoing misery as the Bulls aim for a fourth straight win. The last two victories haven’t been particularly pretty in OT against both the Hornets and Rockets, but Billy Donovan will take them after some early season struggles. Chicago is a -3 point favorite for Friday night’s meeting at the United Center.
Why the Warriors Have Value at +3
On the bright side things can’t get any worse for Golden State. R.J. Barrett had a season high 37 points as Toronto rolled 133-118 in the Bay on Sunday night while the Pelicans had a 46-point fourth quarter in Wednesday’s 141-105 win over the Warriors.
It’s not all doom and gloom over the past couple games for Golden State. Trayce Jackson-Davis was a rebound shy of double-doubles in two of his last three games while Moses Moody has scored 21 points in each of his last two as the Warriors are finding some nice depth in the absences of Draymond Green and Chris Paul (head).
Golden State coach Steve Kerr has a chance to play spoiler on Friday night as he is being inducted into the Bulls’ Ring of Honor as part of Chicago’s 1995-96 Championship Team. Kerr has had success going up against his old team, posting a 15-3 record against the Bulls in his career.
Why the Bulls Have Value at -3
Even though neither Michael Jordan or Scottie Pippen will be in attendance on Friday night, the United Center should still be rocking as the team introduces it’s inaugural Ring of Honor class. Even though the Bulls have had their share of issues this season, they’ve been solid at home with a13-9 record.
Chicago does have momentum with three straight wins, even though they’ve been favored in each of them. One of the keys to the Bulls’ recent success has been the unselfish play of Zach LaVine, who shot the ball just 8 times in the OT win over the Hornets on January 8th. LaVine can also still ball out when he needs to though, scoring 25 points to go along with 13 rebounds on Wednesday vs. Houston.
Obviously Steph Curry can always be dangerous for the Warriors, but Chicago could get a break if his recent struggles do continue. Curry was 0-9 from three-point range vs the Raptors on Sunday and was also 0-8 from beyond the arc vs Portland last month, rarities for the all-time record holder in consecutive games with a three-pointer.
Free January 12th Warriors at Bulls Betting Pick
Will Kerr get sentimental on a night he’s inducted into the Bulls’ Ring of Honor and coach fairly less aggressively or will he say forget all that my team needs a win? Either way, Chicago is playing well and Golden State is just too shorthanded.
Free Pick: Bulls -3
