Phoenix Suns (47-26) vs Chicago Bulls (36-34)
Sports Betting enthusiasts will know that the Suns are heading to Chicago on a seven-game winning streak and have moved to within striking distance of a home-court playoff position.
Chicago has won four of five however the wins were against Houston that sits at .500 and Philadelphia, Detroit and New Jersey that are a combined 103 games below .500. The Bulls have only won four of their last 15 games and have not beaten a team with a winning record since Portland on February 26. The Bulls are a half-game back of Toronto for eighth spot in the East and are looking to leapfrog them into a playoff spot with a win.
Primetime Performers
Bulls: With March Madness Odds gearing up for the April 3 Final-Four, a former finalist in Derrick Rose will lead Chicago in the same manner that he led the Memphis Tigers. This Bulls team however is struggling to make the playoffs let alone a finals appearance. Averaging about 20 points and 6 assists a game; Rose is the unquestioned leader of this team and will get a lot of touches against a banged up Steve Nash.
Suns: Amar'e Stoudemire is coming off a huge 30-point, 17-rebound game on Sunday and could have another big performance as when he hits the court against the inexperienced Bulls frontcourt. The 6'10" forward has scored over 30 in seven games this month and has been held under 20 on only three occasions since January. In the one game against Chicago this year he led the team with 23 in a losing effort.
X-Factors
Bulls: online betting experts know that it will be up to Taj Gibson to slow down Stoudemire; a tall order for a rookie forward. In his only game against the five-time All-Star, Gibson was held to just six points however he was able to gather eight boards and three blocks in the win. He will need more of the same if the Bulls are going to pull out this much needed win.
Suns: Steve Nash is battling a back injury but is still one of the best point guards in the NBA. With 16.6 points a game while shooting over 50 percent and being the only player in the league with over 11 assists per contest, Nash is always finding his teammates in a position to score. After having an off night, only eight points and seven assists, in the last meeting with Chicago, Nash will need to bring a better effort against one of the league's best young point-guards.
The Matchup
An experienced sportsbook handicapper will know that in their last two home-games the Bulls have won by 23 over New Jersey and lost by 29 to Miami; not the level of consistency that is needed to push for a playoff spot. The Suns have won eight of 10 on the road but dropped a 115-104 decision to the Bulls back in January; still the Suns should win this game easily.
Pick: Suns
