Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (1/19/23)

We get some midday NBA action as the Chicago Bulls hit the road to battle it out against the Detroit Pistons. While it’s not the most thrilling matchup to watch at your desk when your boss is away, any action is better than no action. While the Pistons are in full on tank mode since shutting down Cade Cunningham for the season, the Bulls are still holding on for dear playoff life as they are currently the 10 seed. Can they get the win on the road in their quest for the playoffs?

Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons Betting Odds

Oddsmakers certainly think so as they opened the Bulls as a -6 favorite. Bettors like their chances as well, backing them up to -6.5 as of writing with indication it will continue to rise. They are more efficient on both ends of the court and have something to play for while the Pistons have been rotating lineups. While they have remained somewhat competitive, it’s hard to trust this Pistons team with their interior mostly questionable and their guards playing mediocre at best.

As for the total, points are expected to be scored in bunches as oddsmakers opened the total at 233.5. Bettors are in agreement with that sentiment, taking the over up to as high as 236 as of writing. This is heavily predicated on the Pistons chances to score as they are the far inferior unit. They have an ample opportunity to do so as the Bulls defense has been their weak point, ranking well below average in AdjD.

Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons Prediction

The Pick: Pass, too much variance for Pistons

As of now, this is a pass for me as the Pistons have too much variance for my liking to pick a spot. One area that does intrigue me is the under, especially if the total continues to climb up as we near tip off. Even with the Pistons interior facing serious question marks due to injury and lineup rotations, the Bulls will not capitalize on it as they live and die by perimeter production. This would instead take away an offensive dynamic for the Pistons, limiting their scoring pace.

They already struggle to play at an efficient rate, ranking near dead last in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency per TeamRankings. A majority of this is the loss of star young point guard Cade Cunningham, a bright spot for the Pistons who brings a dynamic dual threat ability in both the scoring department and facilitating. Without him the Pistons have been forced to play Killian Hayes who has primarily served as a ball handler and a minimal scoring threat.

Jaden Ivey has served as a go to type of scorer but is severely inconsistent as he struggles finishing at the rim against far bigger opponents. This is a typical rookie type of play, severely hurting any team’s continuity and rhythm. His inconsistency gives me pause on the total, although he will be given an opportunity to attack as the Bulls lack a true big man presence with Vucevic manning the interior.

Betting Trends

• Bulls are 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings in Detroit
• Under is 8-1 in the last nine meetings against each other
• Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings in Detroit

Key Matchups

Can the Bulls take advantage of a weakened interior?

Chicago guards vs Pistons interior defense

The 2022 Chicago Bulls are a weird makeup for a team who tries to play in today’s identity of basketball. They are led by Demar DeRozan who specializes in the mid-range while Zach LaVine looks to do damage with his cuts to the rim. Even Vucevic is a stretch shooting big but has been efficient on the block. Yet they are still well above average in three-point shooting.

With their myriad of scoring opportunities, it will be interesting to see if they continue to shoot over the top of their opponent or if DeRozan will feast in the middle. Detroit has been average in the league in defending the perimeter, dropping to well below average in their last five games.

Verdict

I am currently passing on this in a pregame perspective, potentially taking a under should the total continue to climb.

Chicago Bulls Starting Lineup

PG: Ayo Dosunmu
SG: Zach LaVine
SF: Demar DeRozan
PF: Patrick Williams
C: Nikola Vucevic

(Team Callout)

Detroit Pistons Starting Lineups

PG: Killian Hayes
SG: Jaden Ivey
SF: Bojan Bogdanovic
PF: Isaiah Stewart
C: Jalen Duren

(Team Callout)

Key Injuries

Chicago Bulls Injuries: Lonzo Ball (O), Javonte Green (O)

Detroit Pistons Injuries: Nerlens Noel (Q), Hamidou Diallo (P), Cory Joseph (Q), Jalen Duren (Q), Marvin Bagley III (O), Cade Cunningham (O)