Bulls vs Pistons Prediction, Picks & Player Props: Division rivals duel in Paris

Today, Paris will play host to an NBA regular season game for the second time as the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons will meet at the Accor Arena.

The matchup is set to tip off at 3:00 pm ET (9:00 pm Paris time), and it will be televised by NBA TV.

This is the second meeting this season between the Bulls (20-24, 10th in the Eastern Conference) and Pistons (12-35, 15th in the Eastern Conference). In their previous meeting, Chicago defeated Detroit 132-118 at the United Center on December 30, led by a 43-point game for Zach LaVine.

Will we see a similar performance in Paris? Read on for our Bulls vs Pistons prediction, as well as our picks and analysis for this matchup.

Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons Odds

Odds are via BetOnline as of Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 6:10 am ET. This article may also include odds from our other recommended legal sports betting sites.

Spread

• Chicago Bulls -7 (-112)
• Detroit Pistons +7 (-108)

Over/Under

• Over 236.5 (-110)
• Under 236.5 (-110)

Moneyline

• Chicago Bulls -275
• Detroit Pistons +225

New Venue, Same Result in Bulls-Pistons Rivalry?

When these two teams faced off in Chicago last month, the game was close for the first three quarters, as the Bulls led just 95-92 entering the fourth.

But in the final 12 minutes, Chicago outscored Detroit 37-26 to put Detroit away and cover the 7.5-point spread.

It was the Bulls’ 12th straight win over the Pistons, who haven’t picked up a win in this Central Division rivalry since a 131-108 win at Little Bovada Arena on March 10, 2019.

There haven’t been a lot of close contests in this dominant stretch, at least in terms of scoreline. The Bulls have won by double digits seven times, and only one game, a 105-102 win on February 17, 2021, has been decided by fewer than six points.

If Chicago extends the streak to 13 in Paris, it will likely go the same route as most of the other wins. Of Detroit’s 35 losses this season, 19 have come by double digits, and 27 have been by at least seven points.

Also, since falling a season-low seven games below .500, the Bulls have been much better, save for the three-game losing streak that ended with Sunday’s 132-118 win over the Golden State Warriors.

In their last 15 games since giving up a season-high 150 points in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 18, Chicago is 9-6 SU and 10-4-1 ATS. In that same period, the Pistons are 4-11 SU and ATS.

Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons Prediction and Picks

Bulls vs Pistons Prediction: Bulls to win

Bulls vs Pistons Picks: Bulls to cover (Best Value: -6.5 @ BetMGM)

These kinds of games are a little more difficult to predict than your standard matchups played at one team’s home venue. However, I don’t see Detroit putting an end to Chicago’s run of head-to-head dominance.

Also, I lean towards the over here, though I’m more inclined to back the over on Bulls’ team total than the game total.

Team totals are scarce at the time this is being published, but BetMGM has Bulls over 120.5 for -135, and I’m happy to back the over on their team total up to 121.5 or even 122.5.

The Bulls have scored 132, 121, 126, 126, and 132 in their last five wins, and they are just a few weeks removed from putting up 132 against this team, which has given up 121+ points 23 times this season.

Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons Player Props

• Zach LaVine over 25.5 points (Best Value: BetOnline)
• Zach LaVine over 3.5 made threes (Best Value: BetOnline)

LaVine’s lowest point output in his last six games is the 25 he scored in last Friday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, with him tallying 41, 36, 27, 38, and 27 in the other five games.

He hasn’t shot well in his last couple of games, going 5 of 19 from the field (1 of 8 from three) against the Thunder and 7 of 18 (and 1 of 8 from three again) against the Warriors, but I think he will perform in Paris.

LaVine has made 4+ threes seven times in his last 15 games, including a 5 for 9 showing in last month’s win over Detroit. I love the value here, with odds on the over 3.5 made threes or 4+ made threes in the +120s.

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