Chicago Bulls (21-25) vs. Charlotte Hornets (10-34)
Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets January 31, 2024 – As the NBA season continues its intense journey, a fascinating matchup is on the horizon with the Chicago Bulls clashing against the Charlotte Hornets on January 31, 2024. The Bulls, with a somewhat shaky 21-25 record, are set to face the struggling Hornets, who sit at a concerning 10-34. This game isn’t just about two teams battling for victory; it’s an opportunity for savvy bettors to make winning NBA picks in a season where unpredictability has been a constant companion.
Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets January 31, 2024 Game Info
When: | Wednesday, January 31 at 7:00 PM ET |
Where: | Spectrum Center |
TV: | BSSE |
Stream: | NBA League Pass |
DeMar DeRozan (SF) vs. Miles Bridges (SF)
DeMar DeRozan has played a team-high 44 games with 44 starts for the Bulls, averaging 37.2 minutes, 22.1 points, 4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He has shot 46.3% from the field with a respectable 3.6:1 assist to turnover ratio. DeRozan excels at mid-range shooting and getting to the free throw line, providing Chicago with consistent scoring. However, his defense leaves something to be desired and he doesn’t stretch the floor with three-point shooting.
Meanwhile, Miles Bridges has started 31 of his 33 games played while seeing 37.1 minutes per game since becoming Charlotte’s top option. He’s averaging 20.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting nearly 46% from the field. Bridges is an impressive athlete who can attack the rim and shoot from outside. But he has struggled with turnover issues leading the offense and still needs work on his defensive discipline.
This matchup pits DeRozan’s polished scoring and shot creation against the upside and energy Bridges brings – two talented small forwards at different stages of their careers. Whichever player can exploit favorable matchups more efficiently on offense while limiting mistakes and missed rotations on defense will give their team an edge. The Bulls likely need a trademark DeRozan performance to hold off the feisty Hornets, especially if Bridges continues his development as lead option.
Analyzing the Bulls’ Offensive and Defensive Strategies
The Bulls have shown themselves to have outstanding offensive capabilities this season. Averaging 111.1 points per game on 46.3% shooting accuracy from the field, they show their ability to score efficiently – 3-point shooting (35.9%) and free-throw accuracy (78.9%) also help contribute significantly. Unfortunately though, their defensive stats – 7.8 steals and 5 blocks per game – indicate room for improvement in stopping opponents’ offensive plays.
Evaluating the Hornets’ Court Performance
Charlotte has struggled all season to find their groove, scoring an average of 108.9 points per game while shooting 45.9% from 3-point range with comparable 3-point shooting percentage as the Bulls but experiencing higher turnover rates (13.2 per game) and fouls per game (19.6) that could allow their rivals to exploit any lack of discipline they might show on offense.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds are yet to be determined, it’s crucial for bettors to keep an eye on the lines as they open. The current standing and performance trends will be key in setting these odds.
Chicago Bulls Betting Trends
Bulls are 2-3 in their last 5 games.
Chicago Bulls are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Bulls are 9-12 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Bulls’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 11 of Bulls’ 24 last games at home.
Charlotte Hornets Betting Trends
Hornets are 1-4 in their last 5 games.
Charlotte Hornets are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Hornets are 8-15 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Hornets’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 11 of Hornets’ 21 last games at home.
Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets Betting Picks
Based on the analysis and betting trends, the Bulls seem to have a slight edge in this matchup. Their superior offensive stats and relatively better form suggest they could outperform the struggling Hornets. However, bettors should consider the Hornets’ ability to push the total OVER in recent games, which could make an over bet appealing.
In terms of picks, the Bulls might be the safer bet, especially against the spread. For prop bets, focusing on individual performances, like DeRozan’s point totals, could be lucrative. Additionally, considering the trends, the over/under bet is worth attention, with a lean towards the OVER. When looking for the best online betting platforms, ensure they offer comprehensive options for NBA games, including spreads, moneylines, and over/under bets.