NBA Predictions: Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards

Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards
Tuesday, 4/2/13, 7:00 PM EST, TV: CSMA
Opening Point Spread: Washington -2
Current Betting Line: Washington -1.5
Opening Total: 185.5
Current Total: 185.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Washington Wizards are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 home games versus teams with a winning road record

Chicago has won four of its last five games, including a 95-94 victory over the Detroit Pistons as 8.5-point home favorites Sunday, while going OVER the total for a fourth consecutive contest. “We dodged a bullet,” commented Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. “We were fortunate.” The Bulls are 19-16 overall on the road this season, which includes a 14-6 mark versus Eastern Conference opponents. Chicago is 5-1 ATS in its last six games versus conference rivals, which can’t be ignored when making your NBA picks against the spread Tuesday night.

The Bulls have won seven of their last eight road games against the Wizards, which is important to consider when looking over the pro basketball odds page. Chicago has been led by forward Luol Deng on the offensive end the last five games, as he’s averaged 23.6 points on 46.6 percent shooting over that span. Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah are also important players in the starting lineup—combining to tally 69 double-doubles during the 2012-13 NBA season thus far.

Washington snapped a two-game losing streak last time out, as it picked up a 109-92 blowout victory over the Toronto Raptors as 3.5-point home favorites, while going OVER the posted total of 194.5. “We’re playing for something bigger than just nine games left,” commented Wizards forward Martell Webster. The Wizards got a big performance out of rookie Bradley Beal, who scored 24 points off the bench after missing five games with an ankle injury. Washington is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 home games versus a team with a winning road record.

The Wizards are 20-17 overall at home this season, including a 12-11 mark versus conference rivals. Washington point guard John Wall was tremendous during the month of March, as he averaged 22.1 points and 8.0 assists over 17 games. The franchise has won seven consecutive games—trying to win eight straight for the first time since winning 10 in a row from Dec. 13, 2006-January 20, 2007.