Tuesday NBA: Pistons (34-35) at Bulls (33-38)
The Chicago Bulls currently have a 1.5-game lead for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East, but Chicago has its eyes on the No. 7 spot, currently occupied by the Detroit Pistons, who are just two games ahead of the Bulls with two games left this season against Chicago.
The first of those two comes Tuesday night in the TNT opener, and Chicago is a 5.5-point favorite on WagerWeb.com (over/under is 191).
The Bulls catch a bad break in that they are coming off a game Monday night, a win over the Wizards. So they had to travel back to Chicago late last night. But the Bulls catch a huge break in Detroit’s injury situation.
Allen Iverson (back) and Rasheed Wallace (calf) are both out for the game against the Bulls, and Richard Hamilton (groin) is unlikely to play, coach Michael Curry said after Monday’s practice. Iverson has missed the past 13 games, Wallace has missed seven straight and Hamilton has sat out the last four. Detroit has lost four of its last five, all by five points or fewer.
“With Rip it’s a matter of feel,” said Curry, noting Hamilton’s style of play, constantly in motion. “It’s not likely (Hamilton will play), but I don’t want to rule him out. Sheed’s out.”
That’s arguably Detroit’s three best players, so the Bulls need to capitalize on this opportunity.
Chicago has gotten a big boost from John Salmons. He has averaged 20.1 points in the 15 games he has played with the Bulls since he and Brad Miller were acquired from the Sacramento Kings for Andres Nocioni, Drew Gooden, Cedric Simmons and Michael Ruffin.
Salmons has been starting since Luol Deng went out with what is probably a season-ending injury.
“They really depend on dribble-penetration, dribble-drive, to create shots and get to the basket,” Curry said. “Salmons is a great addition to their team, especially when Luol Deng is healthy.”…
The Pistons split the first two games this season against the Bulls, so the final two games will determine the potential tiebreaker for No. 7. Chicago plays eight of their its 11 games at home and has won seven of eight at the United Center, with the only loss coming to the Lakers.
WagerWeb.com Trends
* Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
* Pistons are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Chicago.
* Underdog is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* Pistons are 0-6 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
NBA Basketball Betting at WagerWeb.com
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
