The Chicago Bulls will face the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday at the Moda Center in Portland. The game will be the first matchup between the two teams this season. The Bulls are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference after a recent loss to the Lakers on Thursday. DeMar DeRozan had a game-high 32 points with 10 assists and two rebounds. Meanwhile, the Blazers are in 14th place in the Western Conference after suffering their most recent loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. Anfernee Simons had a season-high 40 points with 10 assists in that game.
Preview
The Bulls have lost two consecutive games and are 6-4 in their last 10 games. They have a record of 7–15 on the road. Chicago’s net rating is -1.6, including a 113.9 offensive rating and an 115.6 defensive rating, shooting 35.9% from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Blazers have gone 3-7 in their last 10 games and their record at home is 7-12. They are third lowest in net rating with -9.2, second lowest in offensive rating with 108.4 and second in defensive rating with 117.6.
Starting lineup
The likely lineup for the Bulls in the upcoming game will include Coby White, Alex Caruso, DeMar DeRozan, Dellen Terry and Nikola Vucevic. For the Blazers, the expected lineup will include Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Toumani Camara, Jerami Grant and Deandre Ayton.
Betting tips & Prediction
DeMar DeRozan is averaging 22.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. His point prop is set at over/under 25.5 and is favorable to surpass or reach this mark. Meanwhile, Coby White is averaging 18.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists on 46.0 shooting from downtown. His point prop is set at over/under 22.2 and is favorable to surpass or reach this mark.
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The Bulls are favorites to win with a 6.5-point spread, led by veterans DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, and are expected to challenge the Blazers’ young team on their home court. This competition is expected to be tough. The resurgence of Anfernee Simmons and steady performances from Jerami Grant are set to play a major role in keeping the game close.
