Pinnacle -1 -105 B1ET365 -1 -110 SportsInteraction -1 -111 BetOnline -115

Posted at 1:00 PM EST. 

Chicago -1 -105 over INDIANA

7:00 PM EST. We backed the Bulls at home on Sunday afternoon and were delighted they were able to get off the schnide to post their first win after a six game run of losses. When a team wins a game as the Bulls did, 115-107 over Brooklyn, they often are chomping at the bit to get back on the court. This game with the Pacers isn't without meaning, as this battle of ninth and 10th place teams could factor into the playoff tournament. The season series is tied 1-1.

Considering the run the Bulls have been on, we suspect that many in this market will see this line and have to give their heads a shake. How can the lowly Bulls mired in a 1-6 run be favored on the road? Firstly, the Bulls added some real firepower at the trade deadline bringing in Nikola Vucevic from Orlando. Head coach Billy Donovan was mindful of his team's struggles in the games following that deal but makes a great point when he says that, "stylistically, we've completely changed the way we played in a week's period." That's what happens when you add a player like Vucevic, you must direct much of your offense through him. The Bulls did just that on Sunday afternoon, as Vucevic posted a double-double, which was his second in just five games with the Bulls. With Vucevic acclimated to his new team, things should open up for Zach LaVine, who put up 30 points of his own against the Nets. While it's still early, it appears as if the Bulls have two very strong foundational players to build on.

The Pacers meanwhile, have also struggled, save for their 139-133 overtime win in San Antonio on Saturday night. A win like that would normally resonate with us, but the Spurs have been in a funk, including a 24-point loss to the Cavaliers last night, their third straight defeat. Back to the Pacers, who dropped three straight to the Hornets (114-97), Heat (92-87) and Wizards (132-124). In that loss to the Heat, the Pacers were priced as a home pooch in this range, but the market will not likely see the Bulls in a similar light as fifth place Miami. So much so, that it is not out of the realm of possibility that the market may drive the Pacers to the chalk before tip-off. Invest now or invest later.

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