Inter-conference contenders collide on Monday night, as the Chicago Bulls host the Los Angeles Lakers at the United Center.
The Lakers (27–17, 5th West) have won three of their last four games and are coming off a 116–110 road victory over the Mavericks on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Bulls (23–22, 9th East) are riding a four-game win streak, punctuated by Saturday’s 114–111 home triumph over the Celtics.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Los Angeles Lakers
- Out: Austin Reaves (Calf), Adou Thiero (MCL)
- Questionable: Jake LaRavia (Quad)
Chicago Bulls
- Out: Zach Collins (Toe), Noa Essengue (Shoulder), Tre Jones (Hamstring)
Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. Chicago enters as a slight 1.5-point home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while LA sits at -118 on the moneyline. The game’s total is set at 234.5 points.
Lakers vs. Bulls Preview
Los Angeles Lakers Preview
While the Lakers have held firm in a highly competitive Western Conference, their play has become a microcosm of Hollywood itself: all stars.
LA’s star-studded roster — headlined by NBA-leading scorer Luka Doncic and all-time great LeBron James — boasts a top-ten offense in the league that ranks second in field-goal percentage. But cracks are beginning to show beneath the roster’s glitzy surface, especially with Austin Reaves sidelined.
The Lakers rank 25th in both defensive rating and opponent three-point percentage, while also sitting in the league’s bottom five for rebounding. Their coverage has been so brutal at times that it’s led head coach JJ Redick to openly question the team’s motivation and effort.
Chicago Bulls Preview
A miserable November nearly derailed Chicago’s season, but the Bulls have since regrouped and currently hold a play-in spot. Including their four-game winning streak, they’ve won six of their last eight contests behind a red-hot offense.
Chicago owns a top-two offense in the NBA during that span, ranking second in points per game and leading the league with a blistering 40.8% mark from long range. The recent return of dynamic guard Josh Giddey bolsters an attack that receives steady contributions from Coby White, Nikola Vucevic, and Matas Buzelis.
Still, like the Lakers, Chicago has struggled to keep a lid on opposing squads. The Bulls sit 24th in defensive rating, 26th in opponent points per game, and second-to-last in turnovers forced.
Lakers vs. Bulls Pick, Best Bet
Monday’s contest features two firing offenses — and not enough defense to keep up. Expect Luka and LeBron, as well as Giddey and company, to pile up points and clear the 235.5-point game total in the Windy City.
