Lakers vs Bulls Odds, Picks and Predictions
- The LA Lakers host the Chicago Bulls on Monday (Nov. 15th, 10:30 pm ET)
- LA has won three of four, improving to 3-3 without LeBron James (abdomen)
- Read below for odds, analysis and a betting prediction
The Los Angeles Lakers’ five-game home stand concludes on Monday (November 15th), as they host the Chicago Bulls.
After what Anthony Davis called a humiliating loss on Friday against the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, LA responded on Sunday with a 114-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The win was the Lakers’ third in four games, and oddsmakers are projecting them to be victorious again on Monday.
Bulls vs Lakers Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bulls | +102 | +1.5 (-110) | O 219 (-110) |
| LA Lakers | -120 | -1.5 (-110) | U 219 (-110) |
Odds as of Nov. 14th at FanDuel.
Los Angeles opened up as a 1.5-point favorite, in a game that features a total of 219. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 pm ET at Staples Center, and will mark the second game in as many days for both teams.
Lakers Rebound vs Spurs
AD led the way versus San Antonio, pouring in 34 points and grabbing 15 boards. Talen Hortron-Tucker scored 17 in his season debut, after missing 13 games with a thumb injury, while Carmelo Anthony and Wayne Ellington each chipped in 15.
ADominant. #LakersWin pic.twitter.com/2ZRHprZbGm
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 14, 2021
Anthony made his first start of the season, after starting just three out of 68 games with Portland. The Lakers improved to 3-3 without LeBron James, who hasn’t played since November 4th due to an abdominal strain.
James won’t be ready to return anytime soon, meaning Davis will have to continue to shoulder the majority of the offensive burden. He was 14-of-24 from the floor on Sunday, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. LA as a team, shot 51% versus the Spurs, and 48.4% from three. For the season, they rank eighth in points per game, and 11th in field goal percentage, but only one team has committed more turnovers.
Take a closer look at a big #LakersWin in DTLA 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ukgpo63ZeK
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 14, 2021
Defensively, they held San Antonio to 44.4% from the field, but they’ve struggled at that end of the court for most of the early season. The Lakers rank 27th in scoring defense, and have surrendered at least 115 points in eight of 14 contests.
Chicago Bullied by Golden State
The Bulls meanwhile, were handled easily by the Golden State Warriors on Friday, and play versus the LA Clippers on Sunday night.
Chicago was without center Nikola Vucevic versus the Warriors, and will be minus the two-time All-Star for the next few games thanks to a positive COVID test.
Sources: Bulls center Nikola Vucevic tested positive for coronavirus and will miss at least 10 days due to health and safety protocols.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 11, 2021
Without their primary rim protector, the Bulls were dominated inside by Golden State, losing the rebounding battle badly, while getting outscored 52-38 in the paint.
Zack LaVine led the way with 23 points, but also committed a game-high seven turnovers. DeMar DeRozan chipped in 18, but was dreadful from the field missing nine of 13 attempts. Chicago currently ranks seventh in field goal percentage, but 16th in points per game. They’ve scored 105 points or less in three of their past five games entering Sunday, and are just 4-4 overall, since their 4-0 start.
They rank 10th in defensive efficiency, but that ranking is sure to slip now with Vucevic out. His absence also paves the way for AD to post another big outing, as the Lakers star now won’t have to be worried about foul trouble at the defensive end.
Bulls vs Lakers Pick
Chicago did get a piece of good news this weekend, as it was announced that Coby White will make his season debut versus LA.
The rich just got richer.
Coby White’s return will certainly bolster our second-unit this season 🏀 pic.twitter.com/boq3a05kF8
— Bulls Nation (@BullsNationCP) November 15, 2021
The third year guard averaged 15 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists last season, and will give the Bulls instant offense off the bench.
Chicago games have alternated going over and under the total entering Sunday, but this matchup sets up to exceed 219 points. Neither defense is playing particularly strong at the moment, and the Bulls will likely struggle inside without Vucevic.
The over is 3-1 in the Lakers’ last four games, and has hit in eight of 14 contests overall.
Pick: Over 219 (-110)
As SBD's resident Swiss Army Knife, Chris covers virtually every sport including NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, NCAAF and the Olympics. A true grinder, he'd rather pick off small edges in the player props market than swing for the fences with a 5-leg parlay.
