Hornets vs Bulls Prediction NBA Picks Experts 03/31

Kingpin
Mar 30, 2023, 6:00:29 PM

Bulls vs. Hornets - NBA Game Preview - March 31, 2023

The Chicago Bulls head to Charlotte to take on the Hornets following P.J. Washington's impressive 43-point game in the Hornets' recent victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the Hornets are third in the Eastern Conference with 15.5 fast break points per game, led by Terry Rozier with an average of 3.3, the Bulls are 25-23 in conference matchups and have a record of 36-40 overall. This game will see the two teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Bulls defeated the Hornets 114-98 in their last match-up on February 3, with Ayo Dosunmu leading the Bulls with 22 points and Rozier leading the Hornets with 23 points. NBA experts and computer predictions are pointing towards a close game, as the Bulls are 3-7 in one-possession games and Charlotte is 5-5 in their last 10 games. However, with LaMelo Ball averaging 23.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 8.4 assists for the Hornets, along with the solid play of DeMar DeRozan for the Bulls, this game could go either way. With injuries to key players on both teams, including Lonzo Ball, Justin Lewis, and LaMelo Ball for the Bulls, and Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier for the Hornets, both teams will need to rely on their supporting cast to pull out a win. Stay tuned for more NBA picks, predictions, and parlays from our team of experts as we bring you the best NBA bets for today and beyond.

Bulls: Offensive Analysis

The Chicago Bulls have been strong on offense this season, averaging 113.3 points per game, which ranks 21st in the NBA. With the likes of DeMar DeRozan, Coby White, and Zach LaVine, the Bulls have a potent scoring attack that can put up points in a hurry. Their effective field goal percentage of 55.2% ranks 13th in the league, while their shooting efficiency of 1.163 is good for 13th. DeRozan leads the team in scoring, averaging 24.9 points per game, while White has been a reliable shooter from beyond the arc, averaging 2.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games. The Bulls have struggled in one-possession games, going just 3-7 in those situations. However, they have been solid at getting to the free-throw line, averaging 22.0 attempts per game (26th in the NBA) and converting at a rate of 81.0% (5th). Chicago will need to continue their strong offensive play against the Charlotte Hornets, who have a solid defense. The Bulls will need to focus on moving the ball, limiting turnovers, and taking advantage of their opportunities on offense to come out on top.

Bulls: Defensive Analysis

The Chicago Bulls will visit the Charlotte Hornets on March 31, 2023, for an Eastern Conference matchup. Despite being 10th in the conference, the Bulls have shown promise this season, and their defense could be the key to a victory against the Hornets. The Bulls rank 7th in the league in opponent points per game, allowing just 112.5 points per game. They have also been effective in limiting fastbreak opportunities for their opponents, ranking 6th in the league in opponent fastbreak points per game at 12.7. Chicago's defense also ranks 4th in the league in opponent points in the paint per game, allowing just 47.1 points. This is an area where the Hornets excel, with 53.7 points in the paint per game, led by LaMelo Ball's 23.3 points per game. The Bulls will need to prioritize defending the paint and forcing the Hornets to take shots from the perimeter. The Bulls are also strong at forcing turnovers, ranking 10th in the league in opponent 3-pointers made per game at 13.1. They will need to continue this trend against a Hornets team that struggles from beyond the arc, shooting just 32.9% from 3-point range. Overall, the Bulls have a solid defense that can help them win games. If they can limit fastbreak opportunities, defend the paint, and force turnovers, they will have a good chance of coming out on top against the Hornets. NBA picks experts and NBA picks computer predictions will be keeping a close eye on this matchup, and the Bulls' defense could be a key factor in determining the outcome.

Hornets: Offense Analysis

The Charlotte Hornets are hosting the Chicago Bulls after a thrilling victory against Oklahoma City Thunder, where P.J. Washington scored a whopping 43 points. Despite their struggles in conference play, the Hornets have shown their ability to score in transition, averaging a solid 15.5 fastbreak points per game led by Terry Rozier's 3.3. However, injuries have plagued the Hornets, with LaMelo Ball out for the season due to his ankle and Terry Rozier also out due to his foot. On the other hand, the Bulls have a healthy roster, with the likes of DeMar DeRozan scoring 24.9 points per game and averaging 4.7 rebounds. The Hornets' offense has been lackluster this season, ranking only 27th in points per game with an average of 111.5. The team's effective field goal percentage is also the worst in the league, standing at 51.5%. Nevertheless, they have a strong presence in the paint, ranking 10th in points in the paint per game with 53.7. Charlotte's success against the Bulls will heavily depend on their ability to score in transition and execute efficient plays in the paint. However, they will need to address their offensive shortcomings, particularly their inability to convert from beyond the arc and the low effective field goal percentage. Overall, while the Hornets have shown flashes of high-scoring offensive prowess, their injuries and shortcomings may hinder their ability to keep up with the Bulls, who have a healthier, more efficient offense. NBA picks experts and computer NBA picks predictions are favoring the Bulls in this game.

Hornets: Defensive Analysis

The Charlotte Hornets will take on the Chicago Bulls in a game that will require them to come up with a solid defensive plan to win. The Hornets are known for their fast-paced offense, but they will have to rely on their defense to limit the contributions of the Bulls. Here's a defensive analysis for the Hornets for the upcoming game: The Hornets have struggled with their defense this season, allowing an average of 117.3 points per game, which ranks 22nd in the league. They will need to improve their defensive effort to stop the Bulls from scoring. With players like DeMar DeRozan and Coby White leading the Bulls offense, the Hornets defense will need to step up. The Hornets defense has been particularly lacking in the paint, giving up an average of 52.3 points per game, which ranks 21st in the league. They will need to be more physical in the paint to limit the Bulls' points in the paint. Additionally, they will need to do a better job rebounding the ball to prevent second-chance points for the Bulls. The Hornets have been better when it comes to defending the fast break, allowing an average of just 11.8 points per game, which ranks 2nd in the league. They will need to rely on this strength to limit the fast break opportunities of the Bulls. Overall, the Hornets defense will need to be more disciplined and focused to limit the Bulls' scoring opportunities. If they can step up their defensive effort, they have a good chance of winning the game. In conclusion, when it comes to NBA picks and predictions, experts and computer NBA picks may favour the Bulls, but the Hornets can surprise everyone with a solid defensive effort. The Hornets have the talent and potential to win the game if they can execute their defensive plan effectively.

Injury Report

The Chicago Bulls and the Charlotte Hornets will face each other in their upcoming game, but both teams have injuries that could impact the game. LaMelo Ball will not play for the Hornets due to an ankle injury, and he is out for the season. Additionally, Kelly Oubre Jr. is listed as day-to-day with a shoulder injury, while Gordon Hayward has a day-to-day ankle injury. Terry Rozier is also out with a foot injury, Cody Martin is out with a knee injury, and Dennis Smith Jr. has a day-to-day toe injury. As for the Bulls, Lonzo Ball is out for the season due to a knee injury, Justin Lewis is out for the season with a knee injury, and Andre Drummond is out due to personal reasons. All these injuries could have an impact on the game and could give an advantage to one team over the other. The Bulls have a better record and are favored to win this game, but they will need to perform well, especially without some of their key players. The Hornets have a worse record, but they have some talented players who could step up and lead them to victory. It remains to be seen how these injuries will affect the game, but both teams will need to be ready to play at a high level.

Betting Trends

The Charlotte Hornets have been inconsistent throughout the season, as evidenced by their 26-51 record, but they have been playing better recently with a 5-5 record in their last ten games. However, they have struggled against the spread, covering in just three of their last ten games. The Hornets are also just 2-5 against the spread in their last seven home games. On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls have been playing well lately, winning six of their last ten games while going 6-4 against the spread in that same span. The Bulls have been solid on the road, covering in seven of their last ten away games. In terms of the point total, the Bulls have gone over in six of their last ten games while the Hornets have gone over in five of their last ten games. Interestingly, the Over/Under for this game is set at 222.5, and both teams have hit the over in their last two meetings. The experts and computers are divided on which team to back, with most predicting a close game. However, the Bulls have a slight edge in terms of prediction models, with FiveThirtyEight giving them a 57% chance of winning. Overall, this game could go either way, but with the Bulls playing well recently and having had success against the spread on the road, they may be a solid bet to cover in this matchup.

Prediction: Bulls vs. Hornets NBA Game Preview - March 31, 2023

The Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets will face off for the fourth time this season, with the Bulls coming into the game at 36-40 and the Hornets at 26-51. Both teams have been inconsistent this season, but the Hornets have been hit hard by injuries, and their lack of scoring options makes them a tough team to trust. The Bulls have been playing better as of late, and their depth and ability to score should give them the edge in this matchup.