Lakers vs Bulls Odds & Picks (March 29)

• The Lakers and Bulls face off for the second time in four days on Wednesday
• Chicago beat LA on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena
• Find the Lakers vs Bulls odds, preview, and picks below

Wednesday’s matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers (37-38, 16-20 away) and the Chicago Bulls (36-39, 20-17 home) has major implications as both teams are currently in the play-in race in the NBA Playoff Bracket. This is also their second meeting in four days, with Chicago beating LA on the road over the weekend. The tip-off here is scheduled for 8 PM ET at the United Center. Keep reading for the Lakers vs Bulls odds.

Los Angeles is 6-4 in their last 10 and comes in well-rested, last playing on Sunday against Chi-Town. The Bulls meanwhile lost by 12 to the Clippers on Monday night during their Southern California road trip. Three of their next four games are on home soil.

Lakers vs Bulls Odds

The Lakers are a very slim 1.5-point favorite Wednesday with moneyline odds of -125. They’re four games below .500 on the road, however. The Bulls sit at +105 and own an 18-24 record as a moneyline underdog. Chicago has dominated LA since last season, winning three consecutive matchups.

Odds as of March 28 at Bet365. Unlock a Bet365 promo code.

Time to Buckle Down for LA

The Lakeshow managed to stay afloat without LeBron but now with him back, it’s time for Los Angeles to buckle down and really finish the campaign strong. Four of their final seven games are against teams who are currently in the play-in/playoff mix. If we look at just how tight the West play-in is right now, it’s understandable why every single game is important.

The Lakers are in ninth but just a half-game separates them and 11th-place Dallas, who would be very disappointed if they missed out on the postseason after trading for Kyrie Irving at the deadline.

Lakers take the road @Cincoro x #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/DnQZai9sYw

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 27, 2023

LA has a relatively clean injury report for Wednesday’s matchup with the Bulls, which is good news. James, who scored 19 points in his first game back Sunday, is expected to suit up. Anthony Davis is likely available as well, while D’Angelo Russell, who hasn’t played since March 22nd, is set to return. That’ll provide a huge boost to the backcourt.

Bulls Likely Headed for Play-in Tournament

Although Chicago has undoubtedly dealt with their ups and downs in 2022-23, they’re probably making the play-in tournament. The Bulls are in 10th, with the Wizards, who are missing two of their best players, sitting three games back.

Best case scenario, Billy Donovan’s group moves up to the seven or eight seed and only has to play one game to get into the playoffs. Worst case, Chicago needs to capture two victories to book their spot in the first round. Either way, it appears the Bulls are going to have a chance.

Chi-Town is playing good basketball lately, posting a 7-3 record in their previous 10 outings. That includes wins over several decent teams including the Lakers, Timberwolves, Heat, and Sixers. But, they couldn’t overcome a three-point shootout from the Clips Monday as Ty Lue’s squad shot 50% from deep. On a more positive note, the Big 3 of Nikola Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine all finished with 20+ points.

Lakers vs Bulls Prediction

I think with Russell back running the point, Los Angeles will clutch up on the road. Expect LeBron to make more of an impact as well. Take the Lakers moneyline.

Pick: Lakers moneyline (-125)