Chicago Bulls at Indiana Pacers

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Chicago Bulls (-4.5)
Game Total Line: (189)
(wagering lines available at Sportsbook.com)

The Pacers lost 96-90 on Monday, but they still covered as an 11-point underdog. In fact, Indiana is 3-0 in its past three games against the spread when facing the Bulls. After being a double-digit underdog the past two games—but losing by five and six points, respectively—odds makers have adjusted and whittled down the spread.

But now the Pacers look like a real threat to be blown out if they don’t get some injury luck. Starting point guard Darren Collison injured his ankle early in Game 2. He sat for the rest of the night and is questionable on Thursday, though so far all indications are he’ll play. Whether or not he’s at full strength is another question. Guards T.J. Ford and A.J. Price did a reasonable job filling in, as they combined for 18 points, two assists and six turnovers against the Bulls. Either way, the Pacers would much rather have Collison at the helm.

Of course, what Indiana really needs are some better rebounders. Chicago is one of the NBA’s elite rebounding clubs, and it has shown through two games against the Pacers. Indiana was crushed on the glass in Game 2, losing 57-33; it lost the rebounding battle 49-34 in Game 1.

Chicago needs to find a way to penetrate Indiana’s pesky defense. Point guard Derrick Rose grabs headlines for his flashy offense, but the Bulls ranked just 20th in scoring during the regular season. The club would absolutely love to get some more consistency from Carlos Boozer, who has been a bit of a disappointing in his first year with Chicago. Boozer is averaging just 14.5 points through two postseason games. In fact, only three Bulls are averaging double figures in the playoffs—Boozer, Luol Deng and Rose.

Rose has been truly magnificent. Had he been even a tad worse than brilliant over the past two games, the Bulls might be trailing the series 2-0. The dynamic guard has been unstoppable, averaging 37.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists through two playoff games. Rose has also been at his best during the fourth guarding, leading back-to-back comebacks for the Bulls.

The total went under on Monday, ending a three-game over streak between the Bulls and Pacers. BetUS has set the total for Thursday’s game at 189 points.

Point Spread Pick

While we would never say that the Pacers are in the same class as the Bulls the numbers do support another close game. Indiana did lose both games in Chicago, but they were close contests, with the pacers losing by 5 and 6 points. They're at home on Thursday and should have that extra push to maybe pull off the upset.
Take the Indiana Pacers +4.5 at 5Dimes.com and get reduced juice every day!