The Chicago Bulls (33-41) travel to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder (62-12) on Monday, March 31st. This game will be played at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City and televised on FDSO. The Thunder are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Bulls are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Bulls. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.

Bulls vs Thunder

The Bulls Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Bulls dropped to 33-41 on the season after a narrow 120-119 loss to the Mavericks on Saturday. Chicago, who were -2.5 point favorites at home, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total score of 239 points just edged out the pre-game O/U line of 238.5.

Chicago led 34-30 after the 1st quarter, but a 15-0 run by Dallas in the 2nd quarter turned the game around. The Bulls fought back, winning both the 3rd and 4th quarters 32-31, but couldn’t complete the comeback.

The Thunder Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Thunder improved to 62-12 on the season with a 132-111 win over the Pacers on Saturday. Playing at home, Oklahoma City covered the -8.5 point spread, and the game’s total of 243 points went over the pre-game line of 234.

After an 11-0 run early in the game, the Thunder took control, outscoring Indiana 32-22 in the 2nd quarter and 41-31 in the 3rd. They entered the 4th quarter with a 102-80 lead, and despite being outscored 31-30 in the final period, they secured the win.

Bulls Offense Breakdown

Matas Buzelis led the Bulls with 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, hitting 5 threes at a 71.4% rate in their 120-119 loss to the Mavericks. He shot 58.8% from the field. Nikola Vučević and Coby White each added 25 points, with White also grabbing 11 rebounds.

The Bulls made 14 threes, shooting 42.4% from deep and 47.3% overall. Buzelis scored 9 points in the 1st quarter and 8 in the 4th, while Vučević added 9 points in the final period. White had 10 points in both the 1st and 3rd quarters.

Thunder Offense Breakdown

In their win over the Pacers, the Thunder shot 51.1% from the field and nailed 17 threes at a 47.2% clip. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 33 points, adding 11 in the 4th quarter.

Luguentz Dort hit 6 threes, shooting 85.7% from deep, and finished with 22 points. Isaiah Joe added 5 threes, shooting 71.4% from beyond the arc, and contributed 19 points.

Bulls Team Defense

Defensively, the Bulls gave up 120 points to the Mavericks, allowing 30 points in the 1st quarter and 31 points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters. Chicago held Dallas to 28 points in the 2nd quarter.

Chicago limited Dallas to just 9 made three-pointers on 30% shooting from beyond the arc. The Mavericks also went 17/21 from the free-throw line. The Bulls finished with 44 defensive rebounds, giving up 8 offensive boards, and recorded 4 steals and 3 blocks.

Thunder Team Defense

Defensively, the Bulls allowed 120 points in their loss to the Mavericks, giving up 30 points in the 1st quarter and 31 points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters. Chicago held Dallas to 28 points in the 2nd quarter. The Mavericks shot 46% from the field.

Chicago did well defending the three, holding Dallas to 9 made threes on 30% shooting. The Mavericks also went 17/21 from the free-throw line. The Bulls grabbed 44 defensive rebounds, allowing 8 offensive boards, and recorded 4 steals and 3 blocks.

Bulls vs Thunder Trends

• When looking at their past five road matchups, Chicago has an ATS record of 4-1 while averaging 127 per game. The team went 4-1 overall in these games.
• Although Oklahoma City has a straight up record of 10-0 in their last ten home games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 8-2. The team averaged 123 points per game in these games.
• Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Bulls have a straight up record of 7-3. But, their mark vs the spread was just 8-2.
• Oklahoma City has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 3-0 SU and 3-0 ATS in their last three games.

Bulls vs Thunder Prediction

We’re putting our money on the Thunder to win, and have the projected score sitting at 128-106. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Thunder at -15.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 238.5 and our model has the Bulls and Thunder finishing with a combined 234 points. Our pick is to take the under.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.