Chicago Bulls vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 18/12/2021, 22:40  by Joseph King | Modified on 18/12/2021 at 23:41 in NBA Predictions

Two of the NBA’s most storied franchises face off at the United Center in Chicago as the Lakers take on the Bulls. The impact of COVID continues to affect the world of sports with the Bulls being one of the latest victims. Their previous two games had to be postponed, meaning the last time the players actually laced up their sneakers for a game was eight days ago in a 118-92 loss to the Heat. The Bulls have enjoyed a great season so far and are one of the surprise packages of the league. They currently sit second in the Eastern Conference with a 17-10 record. This is the final game in a three game road trip for the 16-14 Lakers before they head back to LA to take on the Suns. Los Angeles comes into this one on the back of a disappointing 110-92 loss away to the TWolves, a game in which all-pro forward Anthony Davis suffered yet another injury. Davis will miss the next few weeks with an ankle injury, putting an even bigger load on the shoulders of the 36-year-old LeBron James.  

Both teams are missing some players due to COVID protocols. The Bulls will be without seven players - most notably all-star guard Zach LaVine, while the Lakers will be missing four players in addition to the Davis injury. Before the loss to the TWolves, the Lakers had been in a nice rhythm - winning three straight. While their season has for the most part been a disappointment so far, they still find themselves with the sixth seed in the Western Conference and plenty of time left to turn it around. Los Angeles are 3-0 without Anthony Davis this season and LeBron has been on a good run, averaging 28 points over his last 10 games. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan openly admitted to the problems the layoff has created for his team, indicating that there could very well be some rust that Chicago will need to shake off.