Bulls vs Pacers Odds, Spread & Picks (Feb. 15)
Add DeMar DeRozan’s name to the list of key Bulls who won’t be in the lineup on Wednesday versus the Pacers.
DeRozan has been dealing with a nagging thigh injury for over a month, and it finally got the best of him earlier this week. He pulled himself from Chicago’s latest loss on Monday, before undergoing x-rays on Tuesday.
His status for the All-Star Game is now up in the air, and his absence against Indiana as online sportsbooks bullish on the Pacers in the NBA odds.
Bulls vs Pacers Odds
Odds as of February 14th at DraftKings Sportsbook. Get the DraftKings Sportsbook bonus code to bet on the Bulls vs Pacers game.
Indiana is currently a 2.5-point favorite, in a contest without a total as of Tuesday evening. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm ET at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN, and will mark the third of four meetings between the two division rivals this season.
Bulls vs Pacers Betting Analysis
The Bulls (26-31, 10-19 away) and Pacers (25-34, 17-14 home) have split their two matchups, with Indiana taking the most recent meeting 116-110 at home. DeRozan was the key contributor for Chicago’s offense in a losing effort, pouring in 33 points, while adding 5 boards and 3 assists.
He was already dealing with this thigh issue during the Bulls last meeting with the Pacers, but things have clearly gotten worse. He’s failed to reach 20 points in four straight games, and it’s no coincidence Chicago is winless during that stretch.
The Bulls have already been playing without starting point guard Lonzo Ball (knee) for the entire season, and that won’t change anytime soon. There’s a chance he gets shut down for good after the All-Star Break, after not suiting up in over a year.
To make matters worse, key backup guard Alex Caruso (foot) is a game-time decision, while reserve forward Derrick Jones Jr. (groin) is unlikely to play.
Chicago has had a disappointing season so far after finishing sixth in the East a season ago. They’re currently on the outside of the play-in tournament bubble, and own the second lowest offensive rating in the league over the past 15 games.
Indiana’s offensive rating over the same stretch is only slightly higher at number 27. The Pacers have dropped five straight and 16 of their past 18 overall. They’re two games behind the Bulls and two and a half games out of a play-in tournament berth.
NBA Offensive Rating Ranks – Last 15 Games
In addition to a putrid offensive rating over the last 15 games, they’ve also struggled on defense. Indiana ranks 28th in defensive rating since the middle of January. They’ve yielded at least 122 points in back-to-back games, and in nine of their past 16 contests overall.
On the injury front, some good news could be on the horizon. Starting center Myles Turner sat out Monday’s loss to Utah with a lower back injury, but was back at practice on Tuesday. He’s currently listed as day-to-day, but the expectation right now is that he plays versus the Bulls.
Bulls vs Pacers Predictions
Neither one of these teams have covered in their last three games, while it’s been four games since the Bulls beat the spread. Indiana is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 outings, while Chicago is 12-15-1 against the spread as visitors.
More importantly, the Bulls have not fared well without DeRozan either straight up or ATS. They’re 1-3 in both categories this season, losing two of those contests by double-digits. Chicago averages six fewer points per game without their leading scorer, and in two of those contests they couldn’t eclipse 97 points.
It’s not comfortable backing the Pacers, but especially if Turner is back, Indiana is clearly the play. They’re healthier and have already proven they can take down the Bulls when Chicago was closer to full strength.
Pick: Indiana Pacers -2.5 (-110)
