Pro Basketball Handicapping: Oklahoma City Thunder at Chicago Bulls Predictions

Oklahoma City Thunder at Chicago Bulls
Monday, 12/6/10, 8:00 PM EDT

Chicago Bulls PG Derrick Rose scored 28 points in the season-opening 106-95 loss in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City will meet Chicago for the final time this year and is coming off a 114-109 home win over Golden State. The Thunder welcomed back All-Star Kevin Durant to the lineup after missing two games with a knee injury, as he scored 28 points. “I think we started the fourth quarter off kind of bad – a couple turnovers and easy baskets for them,” Durant commented. “We’ve got to do a better job if we’re up by a lot, not be too relaxed.” The team has posted a 7-2 overall mark against the Eastern Conference and is 5-1 on the road in such games. Oklahoma City has compiled a 6-1 record in games immediately following a loss this season. The squad is 4-0 ATS when playing on back-to-back days and bettors can monitor the action on the NBA lines page.

The Thunder snapped a dubious streak against the Warriors, winning for the first time this season on a Sunday, going 0-4 on the first day of the week, including 0-3 at home. “Coming back after a loss is always good to play with energy that it takes in this league,” coach Scott Brooks said. Sunday’s contest also matched up two of the higher scoring duos in the league, with Golden State’s Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry outscoring Durant and Russell Westbrook, 68-47, but the Thunder picked up the most important number in the win column.

Chicago is coming off an emotional 119-116 overtime victory at home that saw leading scorer Derrick Rose score 30 points and adding 11 assists. He comes into tonight’s game trailing only Durant and Kobe Bryant respectively in scoring average. Rose scored 28 points in the season-opening 106-95 loss at Oklahoma City. “He’s our guy,” said forward Carlos Boozer. “When we need buckets, we’re going to go to him. He’s always going to make something happen.” Chicago has posted a 10-8 ATS mark in all games and is currently 3-5 ATS at the United Center.

The Bulls are a solid 8-4 overall against the Western Conference and a perfect 4-0 against such opponents. Chicago has dropped two straight games at home against the Thunder, including a 98-85 defeat on January 4, with Westbrook leading the way for Oklahoma City with 29 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Durant posted 25 points. Forward Carlos Boozer will be playing in the series for the first time, as he scored 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds in his third game back this season versus Houston. He’s scored 20 or more points in seven of his last 10 games against tonight’s opponent.

Bettors will be interested in playing the Thunder due to their 22-9 ATS mark on the road versus winning home teams, while the Bulls are 35-17-3 ATS versus the Western Conference.