Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction, Odds and Picks for Thursday, 12/26/24

The past 2 Bulls games were a nightmare to watch – at least from an offensive standpoint – as they scored just 91 and 98 points vs the Bucks and Celtics, respectively. Those numbers should improve tonight as they take on Atlanta, a team they’ve beaten 136-122 and 125-113 in two meetings this season. This has been a matchup dominated by Chicago lately, as the Bulls are 5-1 ATS/SU in the last 6 meetings. They’ve also covered in 5 of 6 visits to Atlanta. However, the rumors surrounding a potential Zach LaVine trade have intensified in the past couple of weeks, which could be one of the main reasons why the Bulls star has scored 14, 14 and 13 points in 3 of his last 4 games.

Atlanta’s 6-game win streak towards the end of November and start of December has been ruined by a run of just 2 wins over the past 6 games. As a result, the Hawks are once again back to .500, which is still an improvement compared to last season. However, I’m sure they’re not too happy with a 15-15 record. Trae Young is also a name that has appeared in trade rumors a lot, but it would take a significant package in return for the Hawks to give up their franchise cornerstone. Atlanta comes into Thursday’s game as a 6.5 point favorite. On paper, that sounds like a lot after back-to-back losses to Chicago earlier this season.

These are the 2nd and 3rd-fastest teams in the league this season in terms of pace, but over their last 5 games both the Hawks and Bulls have cooled off offensively. Atlanta is at just 106.4 points per 100 possessions, while the Bulls are even worse at 104.1 points. The under has cashed in Chicago’s last 5 of 6 games and in Atlanta’s last 5 vs Eastern Conference opponents. In order for the two teams to pass the 242.5 point total, they’d have to execute at a high level in all 4 quarters; I just can’t see that happening. I’ll take the under.

Bulls vs Hawks Predictions: Under 242.5 is available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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