Chicago Bulls (33-21) at Charlotte Hornets (28-27)
The Bulls have lost back to back games against two of the better teams in the NBA but they would be encouraged by their 4th quarter comeback against the Suns on Tuesday. They scored 41 points in the last quarter and pushed the Suns in a close 127-124 result. They'd be happy to see Zach LaVine back on the court as well after his back issue and he didn't look rusty with 32 pts. DeMar DeRozan also continued his impressive shooting form with 38 pts. He's now scored 38+ pts in back to back defeats. But if DeRozan and LaVine stay hot, they should be confident of beating the struggling Hornets.
Charlotte has lost 5 straight games and come off back to back 10+ point defeats against the Raptors/Heat. To make matters worse, Gordon Hayward suffered an ankle injury last time out and will miss more time. So Kelly Oubre Jr. should enjoy more playing time off the bench. He'll be even more important with Cody Martin also ruled out for Thursday's clash. With an average of just 97 pts per game in this losing streak, the Hornets need to figure out their shooting struggles quickly. But they should get a good opportunity against a banged-up Bulls backcourt that has allowed 115+ points in 5 straight games.
Betting against the Hornets at the moment is a sound strategy as their offence is struggling to fire. They've covered in just 1 of their last 6 games as a result. Meanwhile, the Bulls have LaVine and DeRozan in form and have a good recent record against Charlotte, highlighted by 4 straight wins.
Stadium Record
Charlotte has won just 1 of their last 6 home games. The Bulls are 2-5 ATS in Charlotte.
Head to Head Record
Chicago won the first meeting of the season 133-119 and they've won all of the last 4 meetings.
Best Bet
Golden State Warriors (41-13) at Utah Jazz (33-21)
The Warriors are on a 9 game winning streak and sit 2nd in the West standings at the moment. They come off 10+ margin victories over the Thunder and Kings. However, playing the Jazz on the road should be a better guide for their from. They'll be without SG Klay Thompson so the likes of Poole and Payton will need to step up. Looney is questionable and Otto Porter Jr. has a back issue at the moment as well. After a couple of quiet games, Steph Curry should be fired up for this one and he'll need to get over the 30+ point mark with the Warriors injury issues.
The Jazz have won 3 games on the trot and they should enjoy what will be a challenging matchup against the Warriors. Golden State also beat them twice in January but this was during the Jazz's recent injury woes. They've now got the likes of Donovan Mitchell back on the court and he comes off 32 pts in Tuesday's 113-104 win over the Knicks. They are still without Ruby Gobert at the 5. But Whiteside and Azubuike have stepped up in his absence when needed.
The Jazz are playing well on their home court with 3 straight victories and they'll want a statement win over the Warriors. Golden State will also be without Klay Thompson and that will limit their scoring potential. So we like the Jazz to cover on home court.
Stadium Record
The Jazz have won 4 of their last 5 home games. Golden State are 1-4 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Last month, the Warriors beat the Jazz twice in two close games.
Best Bet
Los Angeles Lakers (26-28) at Portland Trail Blazers (21-33)
After a thrilling comeback win over the Knicks, the Lakers couldn't stop the Bucks and Giannis in Wednesday's 131-116 result. However, they should be much more confident against the reeling Trail Blazers. LeBron James has made a successful return from a knee injury and it's good to see Davis string some games together. Stanley Johnson has also performed well when given the opportunity. Westbrook is struggling for consistency at the moment but this is a favourable matchup that he should take advantage of.
The Blazers have been one of the most active teams at the trade deadline with a massive cleanout. They've dealt Covington and Powell to the Clippers. While on Wednesday morning, they shipped CJ McCollum to the Pelicans. So it seems they're all about getting a top-end talent in the offseason to partner with Damian Lillard next season. However, with Lillard sidelined with injury, the Trail Blazers have an inexperienced starting lineup and they've lost 6 straight games. They'll also be on a back to back after a 113-95 defeat against the lowly Magic on Wednesday.
Portland have waved the white flag for this season and the Lakers should take full advantage in a comfortable win. They won't be happy with their defensive effort against the Bucks on Wednesday and will look to dominate this mediocre Portland squad without Lillard.
Stadium Record
Portland has lost 4 of their last 5 at home. Los Angeles holds a 5-2 record in Portland.
Head to Head Record
The Lakers beat the Trail Blazers last week 99-94 and have won 7 of the last 10 since 2020.
Best Bet
