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Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls Game 1 Gambling Odds & NBA Free Prediction

Wizards vs Bulls NBA Picks

The Wizards are in the playoffs but I feel like there is almost nobody talking about them, either positively or negatively.[ad-4468020]

Free NBA Predictions
Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls
Sunday April 18
United Center – Chicago, IL
7:00PM
Moneyline:  Chicago -190, Washington +165
Spread:  Chicago  -4.5
Total:  180.5
NBA Odds: [dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

ATS Matchup Stats | Gambling Insight!

Washington

That could be because there is so much talk about their opponent and how they are the team everybody wants to avoid but I think the Wizards are more than capable of dumping the Bulls. This is a young team that has figured out how to win on the road.

If they can steal game 1 the talk of this series will change in a hurry.

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If the Wizards are going to beat the Bulls it will be a coming out party for John Wall.

This season he might have put up the quietest 19 point, 9 assist per game season in NBA history. I think that is because anyone who follows the league knows that if you are given the opportunity it is easy to put up numbers.

The hard part is doing it when you need to, like in the playoffs. If his numbers can stay at that level it will be impressive.

Washington was one of the best road spread teams in NBA this season. Add to that the fact that they had a winning record on the road overall and this is a team that has proven they can win in any venue. They are a definite live dog in this one and the +4.5 is a nice cushion to fall back on.
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Especially against a team that doesn’t score.

Chicago

The Bulls finished tied with Toronto but wound up with the 4th seed in the East.

It might wind up a blessing in disguise but only if they are able to get by Washington, which I think will be a challenge. Twice they lost to the Wizards during the regular season but they are hoping their recent win against them earlier this month is a stronger barometer of what to expect.

After winning 7 in a row they lost 2 of 3 to close the season.

For the Bulls to advance in these playoffs they are going to have to score.

Ironically this probably means they need to rely on a couple of players who have come off the bench more often than not in D.J. Augustin and Taj Gibson. Augustin is the rare unconscious shooter.

He doesn’t make a high percentage but he takes good shots which is what the offense needs. Gibson is a high energy 4 who doesn’t need a lot of plays for him to get points. They need to be contributors.

As much as the Bulls scare opponents with their defense and toughness they scare me with their inability to put the ball in the basket.

They have been a .500 ATS team including just 16-14 ATS as a home favourite this season. The fact that they don’t score well just makes it hard to leave teams in the dust.

Spread prediction:  Washington +4.5
Total prediction: Over
Score prediction:  Washington 97 – Chicago 94

By The Wiesguy

The Wiesguy is a newcomer to the handicapping scene. Hailing from Toronto, Canada he is always sweet on the underdogs and you can often find his thoughts, musings and picks at moneydogs.blogspot.com.