Chicago at Oklahoma City

Chicago comes to play every night for demanding coach Tom Thibodeau. The Bulls are the top rebounding team in the NBA, the second best defensive team, allowing 88.5 points per game. They also own a sizzling road record of 21-6. The Bulls are 35-17 ATS in their last 52 road games, and the last time they were an underdog they won straight-up at Orlando 85-59! They are 2-1 SU/ATS this season a dog, winning 96-89 at San Antonio. The only loss as a dog was by 4-points at Miami, allowing 41% shooting in a game that was close all the way. Oklahoma City is home from a two-game trip, a pair of rugged wins in Portland and at the Lakers. The Thunder is 1-8 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a winning road record, including 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600. Chicago has won two of the last three meetings by scores of 99-90 and 96-86, so they can contain this Ok-City offense. Oklahoma City is not a pressuring team as they average just 14 turnovers created per game. Chicago is 11-1 straight-up this season vs. such teams (those forcing under 15 turnovers per game). Under Scott Brooks, the Thunder are just 9-10 straight-up after 5+ straight wins. Play the underdog Chicago Bulls on the moneyline. In addition, grab the first half UNDER. Chicago is going to have to rely on its defense with Derrick Rose out and Richard Hamilton still not 100% and questionable. No sense getting into a run-and-gun shootout with the Thunder. The Bulls will be without the reigning MVP for a 10th consecutive game as Rose continues to nurse a groin strain, while Hamilton will be a game-time decision as he's recovering from a sprained shoulder. The Bulls are third in the NBA in field goal shooting defense (.426%) and Oklahoma City is sixth allowing 43% shooting. Play the first half UNDER the Total.