Chicago Bulls At Washington Wizards
December 22nd, 2010 at 7:05 PM EST
Opening Line: Chicago -2
Current Line: Chicago -3
Opening Total: 194
Current Total: 194
Opening Moneyline: Chicago -155 / Washington +135
Current Moneyline: Chicago -150 / Washington +130
Washington has been nothing short of horrible this year, but most of it can be attributed to their 0-13 road record. They have been a decent 7-6 at home this year, and this will be a home game. They have been without John Wall recently and his status for tonight’s game is doubtful. After trading away their other high scorer, Gilbert Arenas, for Rashard Lewis, it could be expected that they have some difficulty scoring the ball tonight. Lewis is expected to make his debut tonight, but will need to play much better than he did in Orlando for Washington to have any chance at winning this game.
“He’s very professional and he’s going to be extremely motivated,” Saunders said of Lewis. “We’re going to try and use him a little bit how he was used in Seattle – move him around, let him play a couple of positions and run some plays for him. It’s one of his positives. You can move him around.”
Washington won last game against the Bobcats, but NBA oddsmakers have set the line in Chicago’s favor for tonight’s game. It’s easy to see why: Chicago has been on fire and have won 8 of their last 10 games to pull them to the third seed in the Eastern conference, two games behind Miami, and five games behind conference leading Boston.
While Washington is likely without Wall, Chicago is going to be without their starting center and leading rebounder Joakim Noah. Noah injured his thumb and needed surgery, requiring that he miss the next four weeks. Boozer should be able to pick up the slack on the boards, but Chicago will miss Noah’s interior defense.
Some betting trends: The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chicago’s last 10 road games and it has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago’s last 7 against Washington. Chicago is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against Washington and has won 4 of their last 6 in Washington. The total has gone UNDER in all 5 of the last road games in Washington and Chicago has won but 5 of the last 20 matchups in Washington.
The total has gone UNDER in all 5 of Washington’s last 5 games. They are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games and the total has gone UNDER in all 5 of Washington’s lsat 5 home games.
Some key matchups to keep an eye on:
Kirk Hinrich vs. Derrick Rose
Hinrich is a decent defender but it takes more than decent defense to stop Rose, who is explosive and strong enough to give every point guard in the league difficulty on defense. Rose is averaging 24.2 points per game and 8.6 assists per game and is averaging 28 points per game over the last two games for Chicago. Last time out against Philly in a blowout Bulls win, he had 22 points and 12 assists in only 29 minutes of play. Look for Rose to attempt to exploit his speed advantage on Hinrich to get into the paint and create for himself and Boozer & Deng.
Andray Blatche vs. Carlos Boozer
Blatche has been something of a disappointment this year, given his strong play down the stretch of last year on a depleted Wizards roster. He has a huge advantage on Boozer with his length and speed, but Boozer is not a particular poor defender, just undersized. Blatche will look to take Boozer to the basket and utilize his superior length for easy baskets, but Boozer will likely punish Blatche on the other end with a variety of jumpers and turnarounds, his bread and butter. Blatche will have his hands full with the pick and roll of Rose and Boozer, as well.
NBA oddsmakers have set the spread rather close tonight given Chicago’s superior play and record. Perhaps they are taking into account Washington’s decent play at home, but it seems they have not factored into account the absense of Wall and the traded Gilbert Arenas. Expect Washington to have trouble scoring tonight; and consequently, trouble covering the spread.
