Check out our free Bulls vs Nuggets pick and preview for this NBA game in Denver. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.
Bulls vs Nuggets NBA Pick & Preview
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Chicago Bulls at Denver Nuggets
- Where: Denver at Ball Arena
- Date: Wednesday, March 8th
- Betting Odds DEN -8, CHI +277 | DEN -354 O/U 229.5
So far, the Bulls have put together an overall record of 29-36, while going 31-34-0 vs the spread. The Bulls come into the game in the middle of a 2 game losing streak, losing these matchups by an average of -12.0 points per contest.
The Bulls are coming off a disappointing 125-122 loss to the Pacers. Going into the game, they were favored to win by 5 points. Chicago was not able to turn things around in the 2nd half, as they trailed the Pacers by 3 going into halftime. In the loss, Zach LaVine led the team in scoring with 42 points on a field goal percentage of 56.5%.
So far, the Nuggets have put together an overall record of 46-19, while going 36-28-1 vs the spread. In today’s game, Denver will look to extend their 4 game winning streak. Over this stretch, they have an average scoring margin of 13.0 points.
Denver is going for another win in today’s game, as they previously took down the Raptors. Going into the game, they were 6 point favorites against the spread. Their 118-113 victory was not enough to cover. Even though Denver did not immediately put a dent in their halftime deficit as they trailed by 5 points heading into 4th, they still managed to come out on top. Leading the team in scoring was Jamal Murray, as he contributed 24 points while hitting 64.3% of his shots.
Head To Head Recap & Stats
In the most recent matchup between the two teams, the Nuggets picked up the 126-103 win over the Bulls. The Nuggets point margin of victory was enough to cover the spread as 2.0 point favorite. This has been the only matchup between the two teams this season. Similar to their season-long average, the Bulls averaged 111.5 points per game vs the Nuggets. While the Bulls were able to maintain their usual level of production against Denver, the Nuggets averaged fewer points per game in the series, at 102.5. Across the last 5 matchups between the teams, Chicago has gone 3-2 vs the spread. However, the Nuggets actually have a positive scoring margin in these games at +3 points per game. Over the course of these games, they averaged 229 points per game, leading a 3-2 over-under record.
Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game
This season, the Chicago offense is ranked 21st in the NBA in scoring at 113.0 points per game. Coming into today’s game, the Bulls will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 10.3 made 3’s per game. If Chicago continues to struggle with their outside shot, they may look to start playing with more pace, as they are currently 16th in the league in possessions per game.
Against the Nuggets, the Bulls will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 17th in points allowed.
Shooting Guard Zach LaVine currently leads the Bulls at 24.7 points per game. For the season, he is 36th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 20.7% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, LaVine is averaging 4.7 boards and 4.0 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 16th ranked defense at defending shooting guards. DeMar DeRozan enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 59 games, he is averaging 25.1 and is 44th in the league in player efficiency rating.
The Denver offense will take the floor in today’s game with the league’s 5th ranked offense at 117.2 points per game. Coming into today’s game, the Nuggets will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 12.2 made 3’s per game. Denver appears to be a candidate to have some offensive regression as not only are the a below average outside shooting unit, but they are generating free-throws at a rate below the NBA average.
Against the Bulls, the Nuggets will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 14th in points allowed.
Center Nikola Jokic currently leads the Nuggets at 24.4 points per game. For the season, he is 51st in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 16.9% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Jokic is averaging 11.8 boards and 10.0 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 10th ranked defense at defending centers. Jamal Murray enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 51 games, he is averaging 20.3 and is 69th in the league in player efficiency rating.
Bulls vs Nuggets Pick
- Free Spread Prediction: Nuggets -8
- Free Total Prediction: Under 229.5
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