Chicago Bulls vs Brooklyn Nets Preview (11/1/22): Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds

Chicago and Brooklyn, two playoff teams last year, will battle each other to try and turn their respective seasons around. The Bulls and Nets are under .500 through seven games, despite having talented rosters and plenty of experience. Check out the projected starting lineups, updated injury report, and current odds in the matchup preview below!

Chicago Bulls Vs. Brooklyn Nets Betting Odds

On Tuesday night, the Brooklyn Nets are two-point home favorites against the Chicago Bulls. Chicago has yet to return Lonzo Ball from his knee injury; it has been quite a while since he last saw the floor. The Bulls will also be without Andre Drummond, while Ayo Dosunmu, Zach LaVine, and Coby White are all questionable. On the other hand, Brooklyn was without Seth Curry and Ben Simmons on Monday, and there has not been any news yet on whether they will be available on Tuesday, the second night of the Nets’ back-to-back.

The point total for this game is substantial; it’s at 233 points, despite a lengthy injury report. Chicago has only eclipsed this total in one of its first seven games, while Brooklyn has played in four games (4/7) that have gone over.

Chicago Bulls Vs. Brooklyn Nets Prediction

Neither team has started the season how they would have liked, as both are under .500 through the first two weeks. Chicago, in particular, has a lengthy injury report that is a bit concerning; however, I don’t feel much better about Brooklyn, especially if Ben Simmons is a scratch for the second straight game. While Simmons doesn’t provide much scoring, he can rebound, pass, and defend at a high level and has seemingly gotten a bit more comfortable with each passing game.

If I bet this game, it will be right before the tip, when I know who will and won’t be available for this matchup. One bet I like, in particular, for this game is the point total. I will hammer the over at 233 points, despite Chicago only playing in one game out of seven that has been over that number. The main reason is that Chicago and Brooklyn both rank in the bottom four of the league in opponent eFG%; it will be a scoring clinic. I’ll take the over and, perhaps, live bet the spread.

Betting Trends

• Brooklyn is 1-3 ATS at home in 2022-23
• Chicago is 1-1-1 ATS on the road in 2022-23

Key Matchups

Kevin Durant versus the Chicago defense is the key matchup for this game between the Nets and Bulls. Chicago has a poor defense, ranking 28th in opponent eFG% (effective field goal percentage) and opponent 3P% (three-point percentage.) This should spell trouble for Chicago as it will try to hold down two of the most talented scorers in the league. See more analysis about this key matchup below!

Kevin Durant vs. Bulls’ Defense

Durant has picked up right where he left off last year; he’s averaging nearly 33 points, five rebounds, and four assists on 52.4% shooting from the field. What’s even scarier is the fact that KD hasn’t been shooting well from behind the arc. Durant has shot over 38% from deep throughout his career but hovers around 32% this season. This could be a breakout game for Durant from the three-point line, especially since the Bulls are giving up the most three-pointers to opposing small forward in the league. Chicago is also allowing the third-most points to small forwards, so expect a 35-40 point game from one of the all-time greats.

Chicago Bulls Starting Lineups

PG: Alex Caruso
SG: Zach LaVine
SF: DeMar DeRozan
PF: Patrick Williams
C: Nikola Vucevic

Brooklyn Nets Starting Lineup

PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: Royce O’Neale
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Ben Simmons
C: Nic Claxton

Key Injuries

Chicago Bulls Injuries: Lonzo Ball (Out), Ayo Dosunmu (Q), Andre Drummond (Out), Zach LaVine (Q), Coby White (Q)

Brooklyn Nets Injuries: T.J. Warren (Out), Seth Curry (Out), Ben Simmons (Q)