In the electrifying atmosphere of the Play-In Tournament, attention pivots to the impending showdown between the Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls enter the fray as favorites with a -3 spread, adding at top-rated sportsbooks an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter.
This call isn’t just a hunch; it’s backed by the sophisticated OddsTrader’s AI and my own expert analysis. For a full slate of today’s computer-generated predictions, head over to:
- Lakers vs. Pelicans NBA 2024 Play-In Tournament Computer Pick
- Heat vs. 76ers NBA 2024 Play-In Tournament Computer Pick
NBA Pick
- Bulls -3 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 – 09:30 PM ET at United Center
Our AI Model has the Bulls defeating the Hawks, 112-108 as 3-point favorites. Like most games in the Play-In Tournament, the favorite has the edge against the spread. The Bulls have a one-point edge per the AI Model.
Chicago’s Depth Is the Difference
The Atlanta Hawks are looking to make the playoffs with a 36-46 regular season record. The Hawks clinched the NBA Play-In Tournament as the 10-seed but haven’t won a game since April 3rd. That was against the Pistons.
That said, the last game between the Bulls and Hawks was an Atlanta victory, 113-101 on April 1. That wasn’t so long ago. However, the Hawks have really struggled offensively since those wins against the Bulls and Pistons. Atlanta has scored no more than 105 points per 100 possessions three times. The team has also not added more than 116.3 points per 100 possessions in any game since its win against the Pistons.
Meanwhile, the Hawks just allowed the Pacers 157 points on Sunday and gave up 40% of offensive rebounds. It’s hard to imagine the Hawks scoring enough against the Bulls to win this game. The Bulls have managed at least 115.5 points per 100 possessions in four consecutive games. They’ve also limited turnovers and are very active on the offensive glass.
The Pick
Neither team has much depth. However, the Hawks won’t have two important pieces, including Jalen Johnson, who had filled up the box score when healthy.
I’ve got the Bulls moving past the Hawks and playing in the next Play-In Tournament against either the 76ers or the Heat. The AI Model agrees.
NBA Pick: Bulls -3 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
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