Eastern Conference NBA Odds: New Jersey Nets at Chicago Bulls
Monday, January 23, 2012
Frank Martin
Whether the Chicago Bulls are the NBA's best team is open to debate, but they are making a compelling argument that they are the league's most well-rounded squad.
Despite the absence of reigning Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose and having to play more away games than any team other than its next opponent, Chicago has forged an NBA-best 15-3 record and will bring a three-game winning streak into Monday's matchup against the visiting New Jersey Nets. Rose had sat out four consecutive games with a sprained big toe, but the Bulls keep chugging along without their leading scorer and the point man of their offense.
“We have the right guys,” Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau said. “No matter who is out, we have enough to win with. These guys play for each other and they play to win.” The Nets arrive in Chicago after winning twice on a three-game homestand.
- New Jersey Nets @ Chicago Bulls
When: 8:00 PM ET, Monday, January 23, 2012
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
TV: 8 p.m. ET, YES (New Jersey), WGN (Chicago)
The Bulls have opened as 13-point favorites on SBG Global Sportsbook’s Live NBA Basketball Odds.
New Jersey Nets (5-12): Point guard Deron Williams nearly posted a triple-double in New Jersey's victory over Charlotte on Sunday. He had a season-high nine rebounds to go along with 19 points and 10 assists. Four guards combined for 71 of the team's 97 points against the Bobcats. With center Brook Lopez still recovering from a broken foot and forward Damion James set to undergo foot surgery Tuesday, the Nets may be forced to play a lot of three-guard sets.
Chicago Bulls (15-3): Rose was among four players who sat out Saturday, joining starting center Joakim Noah and reserves Taj Gibson and John Lucas III. Boozer, who drew the ire of the home fans as he dealt with a turf toe injury late last season, has picked up the slack with Rose sidelined. The 6-foot-9 Boozer has averaged 24.3 points and 9.7 rebounds during the three-game winning streak and is also shooting 57 percent from the floor during that span.
1. Chicago is 7-0 at home for the first time since the 1996-97 season. The Bulls have won 33 of the last 35 at the United Center.
2. New Jersey will be playing the third game in three nights for the first time this season.
NBA BASKETBALL PREDICTION: Bulls 103, Nets 89
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brook lopez - chicago bulls - damion james - deron williams - derrick rose - john lucas iii - new jersey nets - taj gibson - tom thibodeau - united center