The Denver Nuggets (28-17) travel to face off against the Chicago Bulls (19-27) on Monday, January 27th. This game will be played at United Center in Chicago and televised on CHSN. Both the Nuggets and Bulls will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Tip off is scheduled for 8:00 ET.
Nuggets vs Bulls
The Nuggets Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
The Nuggets fell to 28-17 on the season after a 133-104 road loss to the Timberwolves on Saturday. Denver, who entered the game as 3.5-point favorites, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 237, surpassing the O/U line of 229.
Denver got off to a rough start, trailing 40-31 after the 1st quarter. They were down 109-91 going into the 4th, where they managed just 13 points while allowing 24.
The Bulls Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
The Bulls dropped to 19-27 on the season after a 109-97 home loss to the 76ers on Saturday. Chicago, favored by 3.5 points, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 206 fell well short of the 231.5 O/U line.
Chicago went on a 14-0 run, turning a 74-70 deficit into an 84-74 lead. However, they managed just 14 points in the 4th quarter while allowing 29, resulting in the loss.
Nuggets Offense Breakdown
In their 133-104 loss to the Timberwolves, the Nuggets shot 48.9% from the field, but their three-point shooting was below average at 34.4%, hitting 11 threes. Jamal Murray led the way with 25 points, shooting 62.5% overall and 60% from deep, making 3 threes.
Nikola Jokic added 20 points and 11 assists, shooting 69.2% and hitting 2 threes at 50%. Russell Westbrook contributed 13 points, shooting 60% from the field. Murray scored 9 points in both the 2nd and 3rd quarters, while Jokic put up 13 of his points in the opening period.
Bulls Offense Breakdown
In their 97-point effort against the 76ers, the Bulls shot 42.4% from the field and 31.6% from beyond the arc, hitting 12 threes. Zach LaVine led the way with 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, shooting 50% from the field despite struggling from deep, making just 2 threes at 22.2%.
Nikola Vucevic contributed 22 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 66.7% from the floor. Josh Giddey added 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, though he shot just 30.8%. LaVine scored 11 points in the 3rd quarter, but was held to just 2 points in the final period.
Nuggets Team Defense
Defensively, the Nuggets struggled against the Timberwolves, giving up 133 points on 55% shooting. Denver allowed 40 points in the 1st quarter and 38 in the 3rd, while their best defensive effort came in the 4th, where they gave up 24 points.
The Nuggets also had trouble defending the three, as Minnesota hit 14 threes at a 46% clip. Denver sent the Timberwolves to the line 15 times, where they made 13 free throws. The Nuggets finished with 7 steals and 3 blocks.
Bulls Team Defense
The Nuggets struggled defensively against the Timberwolves, giving up 133 points in the loss. Denver allowed 40 points in the 1st quarter and 38 in the 3rd, with Minnesota shooting 55% from the field.
From beyond the arc, the Timberwolves hit 14 threes at a 46% clip. The Nuggets sent Minnesota to the line 15 times, where they made 13 free throws. Denver had 22 defensive rebounds but allowed 18 offensive boards.
Nuggets vs Bulls Trends
- Denver has played well in their previous three road games, going 2-1 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 116 points per game while allowing 115. The team also performed well vs the spread at 2-1.
- Across the Bulls last three home games, the team averaged 106 points per game while allowing 114. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-2, while going 1-2 straight-up.
- Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Bulls have a straight up record of 1-2. But, their mark vs the spread was just 1-1-1.
- In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Nuggets have a strong straight up record of 2-1. In addition, their ATS record was 2-1 in these scenarios.
Nuggets vs Bulls Prediction
The Nuggets is our pick to not only win with a projected score of 131-117. But we also favor them to cover the spread. Our bet is on the Nuggets at -8.5.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 246, and our model projects the Nuggets and Bulls to reach a combined total of 248 points. Our bet is on taking the over.
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.
Last updated:January 27, 2025 Bulls, Nuggets