[sc:NBA250 ]It’s Jimmy Butler versus John Wall tonight, as the Washington Wizards travel to Illinois for a showdown with the Chicago Bulls, who have won their last 10 games, at the United Center. Which superstar will be able to outdo the other and ultimately lead their respective squads to a much-needed win?
Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this Eastern Conference showdown. And if you’re craving for more hoops action, check out our preview of the Miami Heat vs. Golden State Warriors.
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Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Preview
After falling short in their previous three games, the Washington Wizards finally put themselves back on the winning track opposite the Orlando Magic Saturday night, 105-99. It was an all-around effort from the Wizards, who had six players finish with double-figures.
[sc:NBA250 ]John Wall led the way with his double-double performance of 24 points and 10 dimes while also adding four steals under his name. Trailing him was the trio of Jared Dudley, Otto Porter Jr. and Gary Neal with 16 points each.
Now, the Wizards will look to sustain their current momentum when they try to cap off their brief two-game road trip against the Chicago Bulls. Washington is 5-5 SU and 7-3 ATS in its past 10 contests on the road.
As usual, all eyes will be on Wall, who’s averaging 19.7 points and team-bests of 9.6 assists and 2.1 steals, to lead the Wizard’s offensive attack. He should be able to do so against a Chicago defense that’s struggled lately, allowing 102.4 points in its last five games. But without a doubt, the Bulls will be keeping a very close eye on the 25-year-old point guard all game long.
That said, the onus is on Marcin Gortat (13.4 PPG and 9.7 RPG) to establish his presence in this one. His low-post game, in particular, would be the best way to do so since the Bulls have struggled to protect the paint this season with 43.7 points allowed per game, the eighth-most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Neal and Porter Jr. should be able to provide them an extra boost on offense. Both players are posting double-figures this year with 10.5 PPG and 12.5 PPG respectively while shooting the ball at a combined rate of 46.1%.
Chicago’s six-game run came to a bitter end at the hands of the Hawks, who resoundingly beat them, 120-105, on Saturday. Al Horford proved to be too much to handle as he exploded for a season-high 33 points along with 10 rebounds and six assists across his name. Up next on the Bulls’ schedule is a showdown with the visiting Washington Wizards tonight.
Jimmy Butler’s likely licking his chops already for this matchup. Butler, the team’s top point-getter (22.1), has been on a rampage in his previous six games. In that stretch, he’s averaging 28.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.2 dimes while shooting the rock at a sizzling rate of 50.4 percent. But it’s worth noting, though, that the 26-year-old swingman has struggled against Washington, tallying just 7.7 points through 13 career games.
If Butler fails to find his form, the Bulls, who are 8-2 SU and 6-4 ATS in their last 10 homes games, will have to lean on Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol for some offensive productions.
Rose (14.6 PPG) has been on his A-game for the past five contests with almost 20 points per game during that stretch. Gasol (16.5 PPG), meanwhile, continues to be a monster for the Bulls down low with 19 double-doubles already this season.
Also, the Bulls could rely on Nikola Mirotic’s hustle and outside shooting to make things tougher for the Wizards. In his previous outing opposite Washington, he finished with 23 points (6-for-13), eight rebounds and knocked down three three-pointers.
