Chicago Bulls vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 18/03/2024, 07:00  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 18/03/2024 at 12:00 in NBA Prediction

The Chicago Bulls will play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at the United Center in the NBA on Monday night. The hosts are 33-35 and ninth in the Eastern Conference, while the visitors are 19-48 and 14th in the Western Conference. 

The Portland Trail Blazers have been poor this season and have dropped six of their last eight games, including a second consecutive defeat to the Pelicans on Saturday. Dalano Banton led the team with 28 points and six assists, while Anfernee Simons contributed 25 points along with eight assists. Portland's offense has struggled, ranking 28th in the league with 107.7 points per game, whereas the Bulls boast the 14th-best defense, allowing 113.6 points per game. Defensively, they've allowed an average of 115.9 points per game, placing them 17th in the league. Portland's defense has struggled in terms of opponent field goal percentage, allowing 49.3%, which ranks 27th. Robert Williams III, Shaedon Sharpe, Malcolm Brogdon, and Jerami Grant are confirmed out for the game, while Matisse Thybulle is listed as questionable.

The Chicago Bulls have been performing well, winning five of their last eight games. They'll be aiming to continue their positive momentum after a convincing 127-98 victory over the struggling Wizards on Saturday. Ayo Dosunmu led the charge with an impressive 34 points and nine assists, while Nikola Vucevic contributed 29 points and 13 rebounds. Chicago's offense has been solid, averaging 112.1 points per game, just 3.8 points fewer than the Trail Blazers concede on average (115.9). Defensively, the Bulls have been holding their own, allowing 113.6 points per game, which ranks 14th in the league. Their opponents shoot 47.2% from the field against them, placing Chicago 13th in defensive field goal percentage. Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, Lonzo Ball, and Julian Phillips have been ruled out for Monday's game, while Coby White is doubtful and Alex Caruso is questionable.