Mickey Ferris Explains Hornets vs Bulls Prediction, 1–2–2017
Charlotte Hornets (19–15, 16–17–1) vs Chicago Bulls (16–18 SU, 15–19 ATS)
Odds: Bulls +1, 205
Documented Handicapper: Mickey “Bullzeye” Ferris
The Charlotte Hornets travel to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bulls. Both teams head into tonight’s matchup coming off a loss but which team emerges the winner in tonight’s matchup?
Earlier in the year they faced this same Chicago team and beat them in Charlotte by double digits. Oddsmakers have come out making them a very slight favorite in this matchup but I think they will come away with the win.
The Hornets should fare well tonight considering their commitment to playing solid defense. They currently rank 8th in the league allowing 102.6 PPG. Defense plays a big role in winning tight games vs evenly matched teams. The Hornets average 104 PPG and they distribute the ball nicely, averaging 23.5 assists per outing. This team plays unselfish basketball which makes them a dangerous opponent for Chicago.
Chicago has a decent veteran core of players but they haven’t play up to expectations so far this season. The Bulls have lost two straight games and are just 3–7 SU their previous 10 games. Defensively they have been pretty solid allowing 100.6 points per game and ranking third in the league in opponent shooting efficiency. Oddly enough though they are allowing opponents to shoot 45.4% from the floor which ranks them in the bottom third of the NBA.
Chicago tries to play an uptempo offense but they simply don’t have the personel to play this style of basketball. I think as the season wears on we will see that the Dwayne Wade signing may have set them back considering he is more a slashing guard than a shooting guard which means his inability to distribute the ball may wear on some of the other players.
I like the way the Hornets matchup vs the Bulls and expect Kemba Walker to have a big game. I can’t back the Bulls with confidence in this game which is why I recommend laying the -1 point and taking the Hornets on the road.
