*NBA(1u): Bulls -3.5(-110) @ Kings–9 PM CT
The Bulls just recently endured a 5 game losing streak during a tough stretch of their schedule, but they have responded with 2 straight wins. In their last game, they beat a good Cavs team by 10 at home and allowed just 91 points in that game. Chicago has been terrific offensively this season, but to see the defense show signs of promise makes me want to be on them in this spot. Sacramento has the reputation of being explosive offensively, but that’s just not backed up by the numbers; overall, this team ranks just 22nd in offensive efficiency. The Kings are just 2-9 in their last 11, with those 2 wins coming against equally bad teams(Spurs, Thunder). You might ask why this line seems short; it’s because Bulls G Zach LaVine is questionable for tonight’s game. One of the biggest market overreactions we see is to injury news. I’m not saying it doesn’t matter, but the Bulls are playing well as a team and will continue to do so against a bottom feeder with or without LaVine. It also helps that Chicago has welcomed back Alex Caruso into the rotation here recently. One other drawback you could have towards this play is that the Bulls have road battles with the Jazz and Suns coming up on Wednesday and Friday of this week. I would worry more about that look ahead if they played one of those teams tomorrow, but with a day of rest in between each of those games, there is no logical reason for the Bulls to hold anything back tonight. Plus, this is a team that just recently took a sizable hit to their record. With playoff seeding implications only heating up at this point in the season, this is not a game the Bulls are going to overlook. Bulls -3.5 is the lone play for me tonight.
