Los Angeles Clippers at Chicago Bulls Betting Odds

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Chicago Bulls (-10)
Game Total Line: (194)
(wagering lines available at 5Dimes)

Chicago (16-8, 15-8-1 ATS) is surging. The Bulls have won seven consecutive games after topping the Raptors 110-93 on Wednesday. The Bulls have been just as good against the spread, going 5-1 ATS in their past six games-including four straight covers.

Despite the run, there is plenty cause for concern in the Windy City. Center Joakim Noah has been playing through a thumb injury for weeks, but the team finally shut him down for surgery. Noah will miss eight to 10 weeks, a significant blow to Chicago's lineup. He's one of the best rebounders in the league, with or without a thumb injury.

In the meantime, Taj Gibson will probably take over at center with Carlos Boozer at power forward. Gibson has shown flashes this year, so it might not be all bad. During a two-game stretch in late November, for example, he averaged 16.5 points and 15.0 rebounds per game. Obviously, he's not going to deliver that kind of performance on a nightly basis, but Gibson is talented enough to hold his own.

With Boozer warming up, Noah's absence won't be as noticeable. The forward scored 34 points and grabbed 12 rebounds against the Raptors, which followed up a 22/18 performance against Indiana.

The Clippers (6-21, 13-14 ATS) surprisingly won 109-88 in Detroit on Friday covering the point spread by 24 points!They've been terrible all season, straight up and against the spread, so this may be a sign of a turnaround on the horizon.

Not having Chris Kaman in the lineup is causing the team major problems at both ends of the floor. Kaman has played just twice since Nov. 9, and he's out another three weeks with a sprained ankle. It's very frustrating since Kaman racked up a career-high 18.5 points per game last season. Lately, the Clippers have been exposed defensively on the low post. Admittedly, Kaman isn't a great defender, but it would be nice to have another big body to stick in the middle. In the meantime, Blake Griffin has looked overwhelmed while covering opposing power forwards and centers.

Los Angeles and Chicago haven't met this season. The Clippers have won six of their last 10 games against the Bulls, both straight up and against the spread. The total has been tough to predict, as it has rotated been under and over in the last five games between these teams (under in the most recent match up). BetED.com has set the total for Saturday's game at 194.5 points.

Benson ATS Prediction
Take the under 195 at Betus.