Turkey Day is over and the NBA is back in action including the OKC Thunder who play host to the Chicago Bulls.
Hopefully, the players aren’t suffering from the lingering effects of tryptophan as they seek to get back in the win column following three losses in a row.
OKC did force the Nuggets into overtime but wasn’t able to close the deal. Simultaneously, the Bulls shook free of their own losing streak to turn their odds 180 degrees to begin a two-game win streak beating arguably the top two Eastern seeds — the Celtics and Bucks.
Thunderous Intentions dives into the specifics of the game serving up all details you’ll need for the match.
- Scroll down for our Thunder – Bulls Prediction and Game Details
OKC Thunder vs Bulls Odds, Spread, Over/Under
The latest odds have the Bulls tapped as meager 1.5 point favorites with an over/under of 235.5 points. The money line is set at minus -113 for the Bulls and plus +103 for the Thunder.
Considering the Bulls ended the Celtics’ nine-game winning streak and followed that by beating Milwaukee for just their second loss on their home court the point spread seems low.
Then again, Chicago is 3-5 in road games with the first of those wins occurring on opening night and the last the most recent win in Milwaukee.
The second could have an asterisk beside it given it was the last game Kyrie Irving played prior to getting suspended so the Nets had a lot more than playing basketball on their minds.
Some other betting notables:
- The total has gone over in 8 of OKC’s last 8 games.
- OKC is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games.
- The total has gone over in 6 of Oklahoma City’s last 8 games against Chicago.
- The total has gone over in 5 of Oklahoma City’s last 5 games at home.
- The total has gone over in 5 of OKCs last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
- The Bulls are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games.
- The total has gone under in 6 of Chicago’s last 8 games.
- The Bulls are 3-6 straight-up in their last 9 games.
- Chicago is 2-5 straight-up in their last 7 games on the road.
- The total has gone over in 5 of Chicago’s last 6 road games in OKC.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Thunder Injury Report
Mike Muscala (finger) is out indefinitely while Chet Holmgren (foot) is out for the season.
Javonte Green (back) is probable for Friday while Goran Dragic (stinger) is doubtful. Lonzo Ball (knee) is out indefinitely.
OKC Thunder vs. Bulls key matchup and prediction
Watching the growth and development of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander summons memories of a young DeMar DeRozan who took over the reins in Toronto as a sophomore when Chris Bosh exited for Miami.
DeRozan led the franchise back to the playoffs four seasons later, where they made annual trips each of the next five years. In 2019 DeRozan became the trade chip that brought Kawhi Leonard to Toronto which ironically led to the title.
Another similarity between DeeBo and SGA is their infamous offseason lab work. DeRozan spent one summer using only his left hand for all daily tasks and during the 2016 Rio Olympics began his first workout with his training team at 5:30 AM each day prior to the 11 am film work and US team practice.
With each franchise, DeRozan has been the leader. In Toronto, he set the standard and culture for what exists now, in San Antonio, he became the primary scoring option and playmaker to the young squad.
With the Bulls, the hope was he, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic would form a big three while Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, and Patrick Williams would spearhead the defense.
Unfortunately, injuries, inconsistent performances, and Williams not hitting his growth targets have the Bulls rethinking their plans.
This past week with the Bulls mired in a four-game losing streak, it was DeRozan who did what he’s done over and over with the Raptors and Spurs stepping up to ensure the Bulls’ losing streak ended.
In wins versus the Celtics and Bucks, he averaged 32 points, six rebounds, six assists, a steal, and a block. The mid-range assassin even veered off his typical path attempting a few deep balls hitting all three versus Boston and two of three against the Bucks.
SGA had an excellent role model and mentor in Chris Paul and has grown into a great leader for this young Thunder squad. But perhaps the best example for him is someone like DeRozan who became a very young leader.
Double D does his talking on the hardwood and in the offseason lab. Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the Thunder in a very similar fashion and his offseason work is equally infamous and establishes the standard in OKC.
As the teams tip off this evening, SGA should end up with a portion of his time defending DeRozan and vice versa. And ultimately, their play or results of others initiated via their hands will decide the outcome.
Thunder 110 – Bulls 108
What channel is the Thunder-Bulls game on?
Per usual the game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Oklahoma or NBA League Pass. Tip-Off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST (7:00 CT) from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
OKC Thunder vs. Bulls Live Stream
If you need a live stream of the event, check out FuboTV for a free trial!
Thunder Next Game and Schedule
The OKC Thunder will complete their week with a back-to-back set traveling to Houston to play the Rockets on Saturday.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.