The Chicago Bulls battle the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Eastern Conference play-in Tournament on Wednesday night. Chicago's famed United Center has seen many far more high-profile contests, but the play-in tournament offers some hope to a fan base that has witnessed only two postseason berths in the last eight seasons. Atlanta remains in contention for a playoff spot, despite backing their way into the tournament with six straight losses.
Let's analyze the odds and find the value in the Bulls vs Hawks Eastern Conference play-in tournament.
Jump to Pick: Bulls vs Hawks Spread
Game Information
- Matchup Page: No. 9 Chicago Bulls vs No. 10 Atlanta Hawks
- Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
- Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
- Location: United Center, Chicago, IL
The #SoFiPlayIn matchups are set!
— NBA (@NBA) April 15, 2024
Tuesday on TNT:
7:30pm/et: #8 Lakers at #7 Pelicans
10:00pm/et: #10 Warriors at #9 Kings
Wednesday on ESPN:
7:00pm/et: #8 Heat at #7 Sixers
9:30pm/et: #10 Hawks at #9 Bulls pic.twitter.com/mARzNZhZJ9
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Hawks | +3 (+103) | +141 | O 220.5 (-110) |
| Chicago Bulls | -3 (-113) | -156 | U 220.5 (-110) |
Trae Young's return to the lineup will buoy Hawks fans hopes of a playoff appearance. His shooting and playmaking abilities have been sorely missed by a Hawks squad that seems to lack any sort of cohesion.
2023-24 head-to-head History (Bulls 2-1)
| Date | Location | Final Score |
|---|---|---|
| Apr. 1, 2024 | Chicago | 113-101 Hawks |
| Feb. 12, 2024 | Atlanta | 136-126 Bulls |
| Dec. 26, 2023 | Chicago | 118-113 Bulls |
Chicago defeated Atlanta twice this season, before the Hawks took the dub in their most recent matchup. Bulls star Zach Lavine missed all three games against the Hawks and remains out with a foot injury.
On the flip side, Trae Young missed the final contest against the Bulls, but will play against Chicago on Wednesday night. Unfortunately for Atlanta, both Jalen Johnson and big man Onyeka Okongwu will miss the play-in with injuries.
Spread History
| Date | Spread | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Apr. 1, 2024 | Bulls (-2) vs Hawks | Hawks Cover (Underdogs) |
| Feb. 12, 2024 | Bulls vs Hawks (-5) | Bulls Cover (Underdogs) |
| Dec. 26, 2023 | Bulls vs Hawks (-2.5) | Bulls Cover (Underdogs) |
Sportsbooks have to be licking their chops, as the underdog covered in every Bulls vs Hawks game this season.
However, the Hawks have been awful against the spread of late, going just 1-6 in their last seven contests. Quin Snyder's squad have also covered in just three of their last 10 games against the Bulls.
OVER/UNDER History
| Date | Score | O/U Total | Final Total | O/U Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr. 1, 2024 | 113-101 | 221 | 214 | UNDER |
| Feb. 12, 2024 | 136-126 | 240.5 | 262 | OVER |
| Dec. 26, 2023 | 118-113 | 237.5 | 231 | UNDER |
This total seems slightly low for two teams in the bottom third of defensive rating. Although, the UNDER has hit in four of Chicago's last six meetings with Atlanta. The total has also gone UNDER in four of the Bulls' last five games at home.
Key Matchup: Demar DeRozan vs DeAndre Hunter
| Player | Games | PPG | FG% | REB | AST | STL | BLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demar DeRozan | 3 | 28.3 | 49.1% | 2.3 | 5.3 | 1 | 0 |
| DeAndre Hunter | 2 | 15.5 | 34.6% | 6 | 2 | .5 | 1 |
Stopping DeRozan will be priority number one for the Hawks to have any hope of pulling off the upset. DeAndre Hunter will be tasked with slowing the former Toronto Raptor down.
If the first three matchups are any indication, that's easier said than done. The veteran closer has lit them up for 28 points on 49% shooting on the year. Without the services of Saddiq Bey and Jalen Johnson, stopping DeRozan will be a tall task.
Final Pick: Chicago Bulls -3 (-113)
Alex Caruso has given Trae Young fits this season. Chicago has held Young to just 29% shooting from the field as a team, and if they can produce similar results, the Bulls will cover this spread with ease.
Injuries on the wing will be too much for Atlanta to overcome. DeRozan has regular torched the Hawks, shooting nearly 50% against Atlanta throughout his career. Look for Demar to go off and the Bulls to get this bet to the pay window.
