Bulls vs Nuggets NBA Spread & Expert Preview

Bulls vs Nuggets NBA Spread & Expert Preview

Written by on January 17, 2019

The Chicago Bulls head to Denver to battle the Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on Thursday, January 17. Chicago’s had a disappointing season, but they’ve played hard in most every game. Denver’s been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season. Will the Nuggets continue to show why they’ve got one of the top records in the NBA?

Bulls vs Nuggets NBA Spread & Expert Preview

Why Chicago Bulls are a good bet +12?

The Bulls are on a massive losing streak, 8 in a row, and 9-of-10, but they’re getting a dozen points in this. Chicago’s not as bad as the 10-34 record indicates.

Not only that, but the Bulls are 10-12-1 ATS on the road this season. Doesn’t look great, but it’s close to .500, meaning that teams often get massive leads against the Bulls and then pull off in the fourth quarter, or the Bulls are competitive throughout.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Points/G: 100.9
  • Field Goal %: 44.4
  • 3-Point %: 34.6
  • Free Throw %: 78
  • Rebounds/G: 41.4
Defense:
  • Points/G: 110.9
  • Field Goal %: 46.4
  • 3-Point %: 35.4
  • Free Throw %: 78.2
  • Rebounds/G: 47.5

Why Denver Nuggets are a good bet -12?

Are the Nuggets a safe bet vs the Bulls?

While Chicago’s got one of the worst records in the NBA, the Denver Nuggets have one of the best. The Nuggets are 29-14. They’ve gone an excellent 18-4 in home games this season.

Against the spread, Denver’s excelled at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets are a terrific 14-8 ATS at home. Denver’s got a big advantage in this game with center Nikola Jokic. He’s the only center in the NBA that leads his team in points, rebounds, and assists.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Points/G: 110.4
  • Field Goal %: 46.5
  • 3-Point %: 35.3
  • Free Throw %: 75.1
  • Rebounds/G: 46.8
Defense:
  • Points/G: 106.3
  • Field Goal %: 45.9
  • 3-Point %: 33.8
  • Free Throw %: 74.7
  • Rebounds/G: 42

NBA Betting Trends for Bulls vs Nuggets

  • Chicago is 1-3-1 ATS in the last 5 games
  • Chicago is 0-5 SU in the last 5 games
  • The total went OVER in 5 of Chicago’s last 6 games
  • Denver is 4-9 ATS in the last 13 games
  • Denver is 8-3 SU in the last 11 games
  • The total went OVER in 7 of Denver’s last 10 games

Bulls vs Nuggets Final NBA Betting Analysis

Jokic is great, but he could have some trouble handling Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr., two of Chicago’s top front court players. The Bulls pushed Denver into overtime the last time they battled the Nuggets.

A close game like that shouldn’t happen on Thursday night because Denver heads into this one 0-3 ATS. The Bulls are just a bad team. Even if Carter and Markkanen contain Jokic, Paul Milsap will take charge. The Nuggets are too good to not cover 4 in a row. They’ll blow out the Bulls on Thursday night.

NBA Betting Pick: Denver Nuggets -12