Bulls vs Lakers Predictions, Odds & Injury Reports for Saturday Night Basketball (Mar. 22)

• The Chicago Bulls visit the Los Angeles Lakers in a Saturday night cross-conference clash
• Los Angeles is a 9.5-point home favorite in the latest Bulls vs Lakers odds
• Read on for Bulls vs Lakers predictions, picks, odds and injury updates for Saturday, March 22, 2025

The Chicago Bulls will try to continue their recent hot streak when they take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.

Chicago comes in riding a wave of momentum, having won six of their last eight games overall. Most recently, they upset the Sacramento Kings 128-116 on the road Thursday behind 35 points from Coby White. The Bulls sit at 30-40, clinging to the 9th spot in the Eastern Conference.

The latest Bulls vs Lakers odds show Los Angeles as hefty 9.5-point home favorites, with a lofty total of 236.5 points. Can the Lakers justify being such large chalk and cover the spread?

Let’s break down my Bulls vs Lakers picks and predictions for Saturday, March 22.

Bulls vs Lakers Prediction

The Lakers enter this matchup at 43-26, good for 4th in the West. They’ve had to overcome injuries to stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic recently, but both have a shot to return to the lineup tonight. Luka is listed as probable, while LeBron is officially questionable.

When healthy, the Lakers have one of the most potent offenses in the NBA. They rank 9th in field goal percentage at 47.8% and 16th in 3-point percentage at 35.9%. The addition of Doncic at the trade deadline has taken them to another level, as he’s averaging 24.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists over his last 10 games.

If James is able to suit up alongside Doncic, the Lakers will have a massive edge in star power. His return, along with other key role players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, would spell trouble for Chicago. The Bulls have some solid players in Coby White and Nikola Vucevic, but no one who can match the top-end talent of a healthy LA duo.

The Bulls rank near the bottom of the league defensively, allowing 119.8 points per game (28th). That’s a recipe for disaster against a Lakers squad that can fill it up in a hurry, especially at home where they’ve gone 9-1 straight up in their last 10.

Chicago has managed to succeed lately in spite of their defense by pushing the pace and winning shootouts. But that’s a tall task against a locked-in Lakers unit that also ranks in the top 10 in defensive efficiency, surrendering just 111.4 points per game (9th).

The Lakers are also 4-1 against the spread in their last five overall, and the favorite has covered in five of the last seven meetings between these teams. With LA getting healthier at the perfect time, I’m laying the big number and backing the Lakers -9.5 at home. I also lean towards the over on a huge 236.5 total in what should be a track meet.

Bulls vs Lakers Picks:

• Best Bet: Lakers -9.5 (-110)
• Lean: OVER 236.5 (-110)

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Bulls vs Lakers Odds

The Bulls enter this matchup as sizable 9.5-point road underdogs at top sportsbooks. Chicago backers can get the Bulls at -110 odds to cover the spread, while LA sits at the same -110 price to cover as home favorites.

On the moneyline, the Bulls are +340 underdogs to win outright. A $100 bet on Chicago returns $340 in profit if they pull the upset. The Lakers are heavy -450 moneyline favorites, so it would take a $450 bet to win $100 on an LA victory.

The game total is set at a sky-high 236.5 points, with both the over and under at -110 odds. Bettors would need to wager $110 to win $100 on either side of the total.

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Odds as of March 22, 2025 at BetMGM. Check out the best Illinois sports betting apps for Saturday’s NBA action.

Bulls vs Lakers Injury Report

The Bulls will be without point guard Lonzo Ball (wrist) and backup Tre Jones (midfoot sprain). Kevin Huerter is probable with a thumb issue.

For the Lakers, LeBron James is questionable as he tries to return from a groin strain that’s sidelined him for seven straight. His status will be crucial to monitor. Luka Doncic is probable with an ankle sprain. Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt are also all probable.

Be sure to check for the latest NBA injury updates before placing any Bulls vs Lakers bets, as the statuses of James and others could sway the odds.