Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The Bulls have lost 3 of their last 5 games, now sitting 3rd in the Eastern Conference.
• The Hornets have now lost 5 games in a row and now find themselves 9th in the Eastern Conference.
• The Bulls won their earlier meeting with the Hornets 133-119.

Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets Odds

Odds provided by Caesars Sportsbook.

Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets Predictions and Picks

Two teams in some precarious defensive form, the Bulls and Hornets are both looking to get back on track. Chicago should still find a victory, especially considering Charlotte’s poor defensive standards.

Picks:

Chicago Bulls def. Charlotte Hornets

Check out our NBA betting bonuses and promo codes here!

Injury Report

How Can the Bulls Beat the Hornets?

The Chicago Bulls are coming off of back-to-back losses and will be looking to reverse their fortunes against the Charlotte Hornets. If they hope to come out the victor, they must get off to a better start.

In Chicago’s last game, a loss to the Phoenix Suns, a late surge wasn’t enough to overcome their first half woes. The Bulls allowed their opponents to shoot 56.5% from the field in the first half and entered halftime with a minus-7 rebounding differential.

Missing three of their best defenders in Ball, Caruso, and Jones Jr. certainly hurts, but there will be no excuses against the Hornets. Chicago must set the tone on both ends early, or the Hornets’ scoring ability may overwhelm them.

Bulls Key Player: (G) Zach LaVine

? Double-clutch ?

Zach LaVine drives baseline for the big-time slam on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/3KdAeC4i6c

— NBA (@NBA) January 13, 2022

The Chicago Bulls need a win and Bulls All-Star Zach Lavine seems primed to go off in this matchup. The Hornets are particularly poor on defence, and Lavine is coming off of a game where he showed off his all-around skillset.

In a 127-124 loss to the Suns in their last game, LaVine posted 32 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. LaVine’s efficiency was particularly notable, shooting 45% from the field and converting on 4 of 7 three-point field goals.

The Hornets put up a very flimsy defensive effort on both the perimeter and in the paint. With little resistance at the point of attack, expect a big game from LaVine.

How Can the Hornets Beat the Bulls?

The Charlotte Hornets are a young team, so that is going to come with some growing pains. However, when it comes to playing defence they need to find consistency and maturity.

The Hornets showed some defensive promise in their last game against the Raptors, but it was short-lived. After losing the first quarter 35-21, the Hornets held Toronto to 37.5% shooting in the second quarter. In the end, the Hornets couldn’t carry their defensive standards through the game.

If Charlotte wants to beat the Bulls, they need to buckle down on defence for four quarters. If they can’t the Bulls will run through them to an easy victory.

Hornets Key Player: (G) LaMelo Ball

BALL STAR‼️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ @MELOD1P | @HornetsOnBally pic.twitter.com/XAKDnhHCta

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 8, 2022

On the night that LaMelo Ball was named an All-Star, he was outshone by the All-Star talents on his opponent’s side of the court. Against the Bulls, Ball will have a chance to redeem himself.

In his last game, a loss to the Toronto Raptors, Ball posted an inefficient 15 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals in 44 minutes of play. Ball was a minus-10 on the night, shooting just 5 of 19, 26.3%, from the field while committing 7 turnovers and 5 fouls.

Ball is a great distributor, but if he can’t be efficient against a half court defence he’s struggled. Against a Chicago Bulls team whose defence has been lacking due to their injuries, Ball has the chance to get his offence back on track.

See what’s the best online sportsbook for payouts before you sign up!

How to Watch Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets