Sportswagers
Chicago @ PHILADELPHIA
PHILADELPHIA +6½ -107 over Chicago
The Bulls are fighting for the #2 seed in the East with a record of 36-29 while the 76ers have 14 wins in 63 games. When these two met early in the season, the Bulls were a 7-point choice and didn’t cover, winning by just three. Now the Bulls are just a half-point less favorite here but much has changed since that first meeting four months ago. This time around the Bulls are banged up badly and struggling while the 76ers are playing with more confidence and playing some very competitive ball. Chicago has lost three straight and over their past 10 games they have won by more than the points offered here just two times and both of those were at home. On the road, the Bulls have won by this margin or more just twice since January 16. It’s also worth noting that the Bulls inability to win big on the road or cover spreads mostly occurred with Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler playing and sometimes Derrick Rose. Now all three are out and that leaves the Bulls minus its top three scorers.
Philadelphia was just a 7½-point home dog to the juggernaut Hawks in their last game and defeated them outright, 92-84. They are just 1-point less now to the banged up Bulls. Of course a Philly letdown is possible after beating the Hawks but we have not seen less intensified efforts from these 76ers much at all this year. Despite all those losses, the 76ers have a bit of swag going. This team loves to play and they’re having fun doing so. They may be a couple of years away from making the playoffs but they are loaded with young talent that is getting better with each passing week. Over its last three games, Philadelphia defeated Atlanta, lost to Utah by six lost by five, in OT no less, in Oklahoma City. They also have a recent eight-point win over the Wizards. The 76ers offer up so much more value here. They are 32-29 against the spread while the Bulls are 29-36 against the number. The market sees the 76ers as an easy out and they see the Bulls needing wins after three straight losses. However, if you pay close attention to true value and current form, the Bulls cannot be in favored in this range and that makes us instant buyers on the home pooch. Philly has been playing with house money all year and right now their confidence is soaring after beating Atlanta. Another win over the very beatable Bulls would come as no surprise whatsoever. Take the points.
Our Pick
PHILADELPHIA +6½ -107 (Risking 2.14 units - To Win: 2.00)
