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The line on the Mavericks-Bulls game for Thursday night’s abbreviated NBA slate was -3.5 in favor of the Chicago Bulls at Bookmaker.com. Some 60 percent of those betting the spread were backing Dallas.
The Mavericks are 5-2 in this series of late. They have also won 3 of the last 4 though losing the first game of this season by 5 points on the road.
The Mavericks have come completely unraveled in recent weeks, losing 6 straight before a one-point victory last night at home to the Lakers.
“One has to think the Mavs are completely wiped out after that game,” says Don Shapiro of Gambling911.com.
Chicago has won three of its last four, though losing its most recent game to Charlotte. They have gone 5-2 over the last 7 games.
Despite the Mavs recent bad luck streak, they do have 27 wins on the season thus far, one less than Chicago.
(More important stats and trends to consider, plus a prediction, after this ad from our sponsor)
"This is a fox hole moment," Dallas President Donnie Nelson said, noting that his team is pretty banged up while others aren’t playing well. "It's a character-building opportunity. You stick together, you fight together, you find a way, and it starts with your first win. You build a little confidence and that's how you get out of these things. The way not out is the exact opposite."
The Mavericks are 9-2 Against The Spread in their last 11 games as a road underdog of 0.5-4.5 but are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog overall. They are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference and 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Dallas is 11-4-1 ATS in their last 16 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game and they are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games following a S.U. win.
The Bulls are 10-4-2 ATS in their last 16 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5 and are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 vs. NBA Southwest.
Gambling911.com believes that the Chicago Bulls should cover the -3.5.
Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer will be a game-time decision.
- Tyrone Black, Gambling911.com
