After each of their first two losses this season, the Los Angeles Lakers responded in their next game with a double-digit win? Will the pattern continue tonight for the reigning champs after last night’s home loss to San Antonio? The Lakers (6-3) welcome the Chicago Bulls (4-5) to the Staples Center for a showdown that will tip-off at 10:00 pm ET/7 pm PT.
The Lakers were a heavy favorite against the Spurs but did not lead for a single second. That has not greatly affected their odds for tonight, however. At Fanduel, the Lakers come in as 9.5-point favorites over Billy Donovan’s Bulls, who will be aiming to return to .500 after a Wednesday loss at Sacramento.
Chicago Bulls Preview
The Bulls are logging a lot of time on the road in the early part of the season and are actually faring well, all things considered. The season started with three losses in a row, all at home. Since then, the Bulls are 4-2, including a 3-2 mark on the road. Tonight’s game is the fifth road game in their last six games, and they will return to the Staples Center to face the Clippers Sunday before traveling home to meet Boston on Tuesday. Overall, 10 of Chicago’s first 16 games this season will be away from the United Center.
That is some valuable early experience for a youthful team dealing with a new coach. Early returns have been positive for Donovan’s Bulls. Zach LaVine is putting up big numbers, though he is shooting only 29.7% from three–he was a career 37.5% shooter from three coming into this season–while taking them at a higher volume than he ever has. Second-year guard Coby White appears to have taken a big leap from year one to year two, while #4 overall pick Patrick Williams is already making an immediate impact.
Defensively, they are very much a work in progress. 107 is their low for points allowed, with six of their nine opponents topping the 120-point mark. That does not bode well for tonight.
Los Angeles Lakers Preview
The Lakers are one game behind where they were at this point last season, but it is still good enough for them to be tied for the second-best record in the Western Conference.
Even the best have a bad night every now and then, and that is what last night’s showing against the Spurs was. Even with LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the floor, the Lakers never really got going, while the Spurs put in another winning performance at the Staples Center after beating the Clippers there Tuesday night.
Ten of the Lakers’ next 12 games after tonight will be on the road, so they will no doubt be eager to make the most of the comforts of their home court. Each of their losses so far has been followed by a resounding win. After losing to the Clippers in their opener, they trounced Dallas 138-115 in their next game. After a loss to Portland last week, they won 121-107 at San Antonio in their next game. That augurs well for tonight.
Betting Breakdown
Odds via FanDuel as of 1/8/21 (11:20 AM ET)
Spread: Chicago +9.5 (-110), Los Angeles Lakers -9.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Chicago +350, Los Angeles Lakers -450
Total: Over 226 (-115), Under 226 (-105)
Key Trends & Best Bets
In 57 career regular-season games against the Bulls, LeBron averages 28.6 points. There are only three teams against whom he has a higher scoring average: Boston (29.0 in 53 games), Milwaukee (28.7 in 58 games), and Utah (28.8 in 33 games). The double of LeBron to score 30+ points and the Lakers to win is available at +280. That is excellent value, especially considering that he has scored 30+ points in each of his last four games against the Bulls. That includes both of his outings against Chicago in a Laker uniform. He is definitely due for a 30-point game, as he has not had one yet this season. It’s only a matter of time.
Prediction
Look for the Lakers to quickly and convincingly put last night’s loss behind them with a big performance against the defense-deficient Bulls.
Tip: Los Angeles Lakers -9.5 & the over