NBA Handicapping: Bulls vs Lakers

The Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at STAPLES Center. Oddsmakers currently have the Lakers listed as 9½-point favorites versus the Bulls, while the game's total has not yet been posted. John Salmons had 23 points and four steals to lead the Bulls past the Kings 101-87 on Tuesday night. Chicago cashed as 1-point road underdogs, while the teams played UNDER the 198-point total listed by oddsmakers. Kobe Bryant poured in 40 points to lead the Lakers over the Pistons 106-93 on Tuesday night. Los Angeles covered as 10.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 191-point total listed by sportsbooks. Current streak: Chicago has won 2 straight games. Team records: Chicago: 6-4 SU, 4-6 ATS Los Angeles: 8-3 SU, 4-7 ATS Chicago most recently: When playing on Thursday are 5-5 Before playing Denver are 4-6 After playing Sacramento are 7-3 After a win are 4-6 Los Angeles most recently: When playing on Thursday are 7-3 Before playing Oklahoma City are 7-3 After playing Detroit are 6-4 After a win are 7-3 A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chicago's last 8 games The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Chicago's last 11 games when playing LA Lakers The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers LA Lakers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing Chicago LA Lakers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chicago LA Lakers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Chicago LA Lakers are 21-4 SU in their last 25 games at home Next up: Chicago at Denver, Saturday, November 21 LA Lakers home to Oklahoma City, Sunday, November 22