Lakers vs Bulls | Prediction & Pick

NBA Free Pick – Friday, December 10, 2010

vs.

Los Angeles Lakers (16-6) vs Chicago Bulls (12-8)
Friday, December 10, 2010 at 8:00 pm EST on ESPN

Click Here for more Free Expert NBA Basketball Picks

Last meeting:  L.A. won their previous meeting this season 98-91 at Los Angeles.

The Lakers visit Chicago as the first stop on an extended road trip (technically they were the visitors when they played the Clippers on Wednesday).  L.A. had a rough end to November with four straight losses but enter Friday’s game on a three game winning streak.  Still there are some concerns as evidenced by beating the Clippers by just a single point.  Kobe Bryant has not looked right most of the season.  He is averaging 26 points per game which is only slightly down from last year but his shooting percentage is his worst in six seasons.  The Lakers are still very good but their aura has been punctured early with those losses.  They need to be careful of a young upstart team like the Bulls.

The Bull have been up and down all season but are currently riding a three game winning streak.  Derrick Rose has improved his game more than expected raising his scoring, rebounding and assists simultaneously.  His matchup with Steve Blake is a real mismatch and is the best reason why Bulls can beat the Lakers on their homecourt.  At the other spots on the floor the Bulls may have some advantages in terms of athleticism but they need to play smart to win.  With Boozer back they have good size upfront and they should look to expose an L.A. team that prefers a finesse game.  The more aggressive they are the better.

The current line on this one is pickem…Love the Bulls with those odds though it would be even better if they were getting points.

Prediction: The Lakers were not sharp in their win against the Clippers.  But they have won their last three in the Windy City.  I like the Bulls to throw that trend on its head by winning a close game.  Look for Rose to score more than 30.

Score:  Chicago 97 – Los Angeles 94

Bet the Lakers/Bulls game using your credit card to deposit and to get a HUGE 50% sign up bonus up to $250 at the web’s biggest bookie: Sportsbook.com.

Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends

• Lakers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Friday games.
• Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
• Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Chicago Bulls Betting Trends

• Bulls are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Pacific.
• Bulls are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss.
• Bulls are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.