NBA Picks: Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets

Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets
Wednesday, 12/25/13, 12:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Brooklyn -4
Current Betting Line: Brooklyn -2.5
Opening Total: 188
Current Total: 187.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Brooklyn Nets are 4-10 SUATS as favorites this season

Chicago snapped a four-game losing streak last time out, as it picked up a 100-84 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers as three-point home favorites, while going UNDER the betting total of 187. The Bulls are 3-11 SU on the road this season, including a 3-5 mark when taking on Eastern Conference opponents, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NBA betting lines. The franchise won three of four games during last year’s regular season series, while also capturing a First Round victory in the NBA Playoffs. Chicago is 7-13 SU and 12-8 ATS as road underdogs of 3.5 to 6 points the last two-plus seasons.

The Bulls are getting outscored by 1.5 points per game during the 2013-14 campaign, which is important to consider when making your NBA betting picks. Chicago owns a 10-7 SU record when it plays on Christmas Day, including a 3-6 mark when playing away from the Windy City. In 10 games this month, center Joakim Noah has recorded seven double-doubles and averaged 13.4 points and 12.3 rebounds. In its 10 victories this season, the team has allowed an average of 83.0 points.

Brooklyn has lost three games in a row, including a 103-86 setback to the Indiana Pacers as six-point home underdogs Monday, while going UNDER the betting total for the first time in five affairs. The Nets are utilizing a makeshift starting lineup, as two players are averaging double figures, with shooting guard Joe Johnson leading the way at 16.5 points a contest. The team is 48-25 SU all-time as a host against Chicago—representing the franchise’s best regular season home record against an Eastern Conference foe. Brooklyn is 4-10 SUATS as a favorite the last two-plus seasons.

The Nets are still dealing with the loss of center Brook Lopez for the season, as he suffered a broken right foot last Friday. Brooklyn has dropped two of 10 games without its All-Star player in the center of the offense—placing a lot of added pressure on Johnson and point guard Deron Williams to perform at a high level.