NBA Basketball
2012-01-10 - Chicago Bulls at Minnesota T-Wolves
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Tuesday 10 January 2012 - Tip Off 8pm ET
1am (British Standard Time)
Preview
The Chicago Bulls (8-2) have made a fast start to the new season and put down their credentials to challenge for the Eastern Conference a year after losing in the Conference Finals to the Miami Heat. With Derrick Rose leading the way, the Bulls have looked dominant in many of their games.
Chicago have won 7 of their last 8 games and bounced back from a defeat against Atlanta by dismantling the Detroit Pistons last night. This is the middle of 3 consecutive games for the Bulls, but the ease of victory last night will mean their starters have not had to use too much excess energy as they travel to Minnesota.
Rose should get plenty of support in this one from Carlos Boozer, a player that averaged 20.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in the 2 meetings against the Timberwolves last season and one who has been playing very well in the last 4 games for the Bulls.
The Minnesota Timberwolves (3-6) play their third consecutive game in a row after splitting games in Washington and Toronto. They really struggled in Toronto with the starters scoring just 37 points, and they will be missing Michael Beasley in this one.
Minnesota will look to become the 7th NBA team this season to win their finale of 3 consecutive games, although it is a big ask against the Chicago Bulls. It won't have gone unnoticed that the Timberwolves had their worst percentage from the field in the loss to the Raptors last time out, and now will face one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.
Head to Head
Chicago have won the last 4 games in the series against the Timberwolves, both straight up and against the spread, and they have won those games by an average of 17 points per game.
The Bulls have covered the spread in their last 3 visits to Minnesota.
Minnesota are 6-3 against the spread this season, Chicago are 6-4.
Minnesota are 5-1 against the spread as the underdog, Chicago are 6-4 as the favourite.
Other Interesting Trends
Minnesota have won their last 4 games against the spread as the home underdog.
They are 8-3 against the spread in their last 11 games against a team with a winning record above 60%.
Chicago are 9-4 against the spread in their last 13 games as the road favourite of between 5 and 10.5 points.
They are 7-1-1 against the spread in their last 9 games against teams from the same Division as Minnesota.
Prediction
I am going to back the Chicago Bulls to win this game and cover the spread for the following reasons:
First, even though all 6 NBA teams that have played a 3rd game in a row have won, home teams in this spot are 12-21-1 against the spread.
Second, Chicago have had an easy first game and should be fully energised to take care of Minnesota tonight.
Third, the Bulls have dominated the Timberwolves in recent games, winning the last 4 by an average of 17 points per game.
The Pick :
Minnesota T-Wolves 86-96 Chicago Bulls
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Chicago Bulls - 6.5 Points @ 1.95
