Posted at 11:15 AM EST. Odds subject to change.

Pinnacle O52 -105 BET365 O51½ -115 Sportsinteraction O52½ +100

Chicago 1H Team Total over 52½ over L.A. Clippers

Best Odds: +100 at Sportsinteraction 

4:10 PM EST. Although still far from a team that we take seriously as a contender for anything this season, the Chicago Bulls are trying their hardest to compete for a playoff spot. Sitting in 9th place in the East, a healthy Chicago roster has won their last 3 games and 5 of their last 7, a big part of that because of better offensive results. Even the casual NBA fan probably knows that the Bulls can play A+ defense when they want to. Alex Caruso leads a group of stingy defenders that can slow down a game and bog down an opponent's rhythm, a program that has an array of top defensive marks, including a #1 ranking in points in the paint allowed per game (44.7). They do have one consistent liability on that side of the court, though, something the Clippers hope to take advantage of tonight.

It's hard to get to the rim against the Bulls, but LAC may never have to get there. The Clippers have been one of the best 3-point teams in the NBA for most of the season, currently sitting in 2nd with a collective 38.9% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Arguably no team has more guys who can splash buckets from the perimeter, a feature of LAC that has helped them rally and win games even when they've faced big deficits. Shockingly, despite their solid defense, Chicago allows the most three pointers attempted (39.7) and made (14.5) to opponents on a nightly basis. They'll hope that the Clippers have an off night, but we don't feel great about that for the visiting team. It also helps our wager tonight.

Since the All Star break, the Bulls are finally in the top-half of offenses in the NBA. Health matters, and it's contributed to more chemistry. Since February 22nd, the Bulls are a top 10 team in offensive rebounding, assist percentage, and turnover percentage (in other words, they're NOT turning it over as much as they once did). The Clippers are at home after a three-game road trip, in an arena where nearly all of their offensive statistics rise. We like their efficiency to push Chicago's production, too, and it helps that the visiting team has been delivering early. 

The Bulls have surpassed tonight's first half team total in 6 of their last 7 games. Even better, the Clippers' defense hasn't been as stellar (19th since the break), which is probably a feature of their regular season form. Chicago should easily eclipse the listed number, which gives us no choice but to open our wallets and take advantage of the value.

Farley

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