NBA Wednesday March 29th Lakers at Bulls Betting Pick
Two Teams Trying to Hold on for Play-In Tournament
Chicago had a very disappointing year based on preseason expectations, but at least they are playing arguably their best basketball of the season heading into the March 29th Lakers at Bulls betting matchup. Billy Donovan’s club has gone 7-3 over their last 10 to climb into the final spot for the Play-In Tournament in the East.
Los Angeles looks headed to the Play-In as well, currently in the #9 spot but with OKC and slumping Dallas just 1/2 a game back. L.A. just lost 118-108 to the Bulls at home on Sunday as -5 point favorites, so they’re looking for a bit of revenge and are actually -2 point favorites as the matchup shifts back to the United Center.
Why Los Angeles can Cover -2 Points
The first thing benefitting Los Angeles in the March 29th Lakers at Bulls betting matchup is the line itself. Oddsmakers have made L.A. a -2 point favorite on the road, even though they just lost to the Bulls by 10 points at home on Sunday. That seems like a trap play on Chicago, but early public betting is over 80% on the Lakers.
One of the big reasons Los Angeles can get the win on Wednesday night is because it’s Lebron James’ second game back from a foot injury that cost him the last 13 games. James came off the bench vs. Chicago on Sunday going 6-11 from the floor and leading the team with 19 points. He should be a bit better after knocking out the rust last game.
The Lakers are an older team, and they are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 playing on 2 days rest – especially important near the end of a long season. L.A. is also 7-3 ATS over their last 10 overall and have also covered the number in five of their last six trips to Chicago.
Why Chicago Can Cover +2 Points
The Bulls looked good on Sunday, getting a 32 point performance from Zach LaVine while DeMar DeRozan added a 17 point / 10 assist double-double. LaVine went for 30+ in two of the three games on Chicago’s 2-1 trip to the West Coast so he looks dialed in to wind down the regular season.
Chicago did follow up their 118-108 win over the Lakers with a 124-112 loss to the Clippers the next night on the back to back, but this is still a team trending in the right direction as they’ve climbed into a 1.5 game lead over the Wizards for the final spot in the Play-In Tournament. This is a team that looked dead in the water so there should be a little extra energy from the United Center crowd – especially when the Lakers come to town.
Chicago is just 36-39 on the year, but they’ve gone 10-6 since acquiring Patrick Beverley including 5-2 over their last 7. Beverley especially loves antagonizing James and the Lakers, and the Bulls can get their second straight season sweep over Los Angeles with a win on Wednesday night.
Free March 29th Lakers at Bulls Betting Pick
Chicago should have a noticeable home court energy on Wednesday as they are playing better as of late and have a chance at the Play-In Tournament. The Lakers have an extra day of rest, but are just 16-20 on the road this season and will get frustrated by Beverley, the red hot LaVine, and California native DeRozan.
Free Pick: Bulls +2
