Chicago at Los Angeles

Chicago has lost four of its last seven but is coming off an 89-88 win over Utah, still good for fifth place in the East. The Bulls are an impressive 17-13 on the road and it is defense that keeps them competitive at third in the NBA in points allowed. The Bulls are 5-2 ATS in their last seven road games and 11-4 ATS following a spread loss. The Lakers are on a 1-3 ATS run and despite winning the last two games, they trailed by 25 and 15 points! Los Angeles' stars are banged up as Kobe Bryant is battling an ulnar nerve contusion and Dwight Howard has a torn labrum. The Lakers are 14-37 ATS following a win and 2-6 ATS in their last eight home games. Chicago has won the past three meetings against the Lakers, including a 95-83 home victory in the first meeting this season in January. And the Bulls are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings. Play the Bulls.