by Chuck Sommers
Sunday, Mar 26, 2023
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Where to watch: NBCSCH, Spectrum
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Lakers -3.5
BetMGM: Lakers -3.5
Caesars: Lakers -3.5
Season record
Bulls: 35-38
Lakers: 37-37
The All-Star break is over in the NBA and it's time to get on the horse and finish up the final home stretch of the season. Big trades, uncertainty, and absolute hilarity across the board all gearing up for the final home stretch of this season. You know who is also gearing up for the home stretch? Our champion handicappers at bigal.com who are ready to win their way all the way to the playoffs. There's a lot going on that we can't wait for in these final 23-25 games and you're going to need every bit of hardcore analysis you can get from this group. Just in the last 30 days we've had some big winners. Doc's Sports has posted a 16-6-0 record in the last month (+$9,200). AAA Sports has killed it at 17-8-0, and then Al McMordie with a dominant 20-11-1 mark over the last 30 days. Everything you need to know and more about what's going on this league and sports in general will be a fun finish to the end. All you have to do is go to bigal.com and find our Best Bets page and put forth something that only you think is good. Here's a hint: Go to the bigal.com website and happy betting.
Bulls - Lakers preview, prediction and analysis
The Chicago Bulls will travel to the Staples Center to face off against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 26, 2023, in what is sure to be an exciting matchup between two historic NBA franchises.
The Bulls, led by All-Star guard Zach LaVine, have had a really weird season in the Eastern Conference standings. LaVine has been the catalyst for the Bulls' success, averaging 28.5 points per game and shooting 43.5% from beyond the arc.
The Lakers, on the other hand, have had a more challenging season. Despite having LeBron James and Anthony Davis on their roster, the team has struggled with injuries and currently holds a record of 32-36, placing them ninth in the Western Conference standings and on the outside looking in for the playoffs.
When these two teams met earlier in the season, the Bulls came away with a convincing 115-98 victory at home. LaVine led the way for the Bulls with 27 points, while James led the Lakers with 31 points.
Heading into this matchup, the Bulls will be looking to continue their strong play and solidify their position in the Eastern Conference standings. For the Lakers, a win would be a much-needed boost as they look to make a late-season push for the playoffs.
Another matchup to watch will be between Bulls center Nikola Vucevic and Lakers center Andre Drummond. Vucevic has been a key addition to the Bulls this season, averaging 23.4 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. However, he will face a tough test against Drummond, who is averaging 14.3 points and 12.7 rebounds per game this season.
Overall, this game promises to be an exciting matchup between two historic franchises. With LaVine leading the way for the Bulls and James and Davis leading the way for the Lakers, fans can expect a high-energy game with plenty of scoring chances. The Bulls will be looking to continue their strong play and build momentum heading into the playoffs, while the Lakers will be looking to make a late-season push and secure a playoff spot.
Prediction
The Lakers are going to do the thing and it's going to be annoying. Lakers 120, Bulls 110
Projected starting lineup
Bulls:
PG: Patrick Beverley
SG: Alex Caruso
SF: Zach LaVine
PF: DeMar DeRozan
C: Nikola Vucevic
Lakers:
PG: D'Angelo Russell
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: Troy Brown Jr.
PF: Jarred Vanderbilt
C: Anthony Davis
Don't miss our champion handicappers' free picks and expert basketball picks today. And if you enjoyed this preview, be sure to drop by every day for our daily NBA/college basketball projections and previews.
Chuck Sommers
About the Author:
Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.
