Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls – 2014 NBA Playoffs – Round 1, Game 2 Preview and Prediction

The veterans of the Washington Wizards paved the way for the team’s first playoff win in six years. In what was expected to be one of the most competitive first round series of the NBA playoffs, can the Chicago Bulls regroup and even the series in Game 2?
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Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls Round 1, Game 2 Betting Preview

Series Schedule & Results

Game 1 – April 20, Washington 102 Chicago 93

Game 2 April 22, 9:30PM ET, Washington (+5) at Chicago (-5); total 181.5 – view all NBA lines

Game 3 – April 25, 8:00PM ET, Chicago at Washington

Game 4 – April 27, 1:00PM ET, Chicago at Washington

Game 5 (if necessary) – April 29, Washington at Chicago

Game 6 (if necessary) – May 1, Chicago at Washington

Game 7 (if necessary) – May 3, Washington at Chicago

Betting on the Washington Wizards

[sc:NBA240banner ]Down by 13 in the third quarter, the Washington Wizards looked every bit the team that hadn’t been to the Playoffs in six years. But the Wizards, led by its cast of veterans in Nene, Trevor Ariza, and Andre Miller, staged a comeback that eventually led the Wizards to a 102-93 victory.

Nene was consistent throughout the game, registering 24 points and eight rebounds, while Ariza (18 points, seven rebounds) made key baskets during the Wizards’ rally, including a pair of free throws in the fourth quarter, which put the Wizards ahead, 88-87 with under five minutes left to play. Miller, on the other hand, was big for the Wizards as the crafty vet scored eight of his 10 points in the payoff period.

What the Wizards made clear in Game 1 was that they have a frontline in Nene and Marcin Gortat who can outmuscle Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer. Nene went 11-17 from the field, while Gortat secured 13 rebounds (five offensive boards).

Washington has now extended its winning streak to five games. As four-point underdogs in Game 1, the Wizards have also improved to 5-0 ATS in their last five games in Chicago.

Betting on the Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls were simply beaten at their own game in Game 1 as they allowed the never-say-die Wizards to claw back from a 13-point third deficit to suffer their first defeat in five games at United Center.

After taking a 54-48 lead at the half, the Bulls’ offensive production went bad in the second half, especially in the paint. They had 24 points in the shaded area in the first half, but only managed 16 in the second.

D.J. Augustine went 10-10 from the free throw line in Game 1, but his 3-15 shooting from the field just won’t be enough to help Chicago counter the Wizards’ duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal. During the Wizards’ second half rally, the trio of Augustine, Kirk Hinrich, and Jimmy Butler combined for 6-20 from the field.

The Bulls also need their top-rated defense to show up in Game 2. The Bulls allowed just 91.8 PPG during the regular season, but struggled to contain the Wizards’ Nene and Gortat in particular.

The Bulls are 4-0 over in their last four home games.

Writer’s Prediction

The Bulls are no strangers to having their backs against the wall this season. They will bounce back in Game 2 and win by more than five points. Whether you like the Bulls or Wizards, get into the action with a free betting account today.
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