Chicago Bulls vs Oklahoma City Thunder preview: Prediction, odds and more

Chicago Bulls vs Oklahoma City Thunder preview: Prediction, odds and more | 25th October 2023

Modified Oct 25, 2023 08:42 GMT

Oklahoma City Thunder v Chicago Bulls — The Chicago Bulls host the OKC Thunder at home on Wednesday

The Chicago Bulls open their 2023-24 NBA regular season campaign against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday (October 25). Last season, both teams entered the play-in, but failed to make the playoff tournament.

OKC finished 10th in the West with a 40-42 record after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves who clinched the eighth seed via the play-in tournament. The Bulls lost the final seed position to the Miami Heat, who then went on to face the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Finals.

The Bulls are one of the units who have decided to run it back this season with their star trio of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. Their approach to the new season with more emphasis on defense and three-point shooting was highlighted in the preseason as well.

While the results weren't in their favor, Chicago will look to make an impact when they start the season against a team that boasts a formidable defense.

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The Thunder have some prime names to watch out for. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was their offensive force last season, while Lu Dort locking up even the versatile of scorers made OKC a legitimate threat. This season, they have rookie Chet Holmgren who already made headlines in the preseason for his impressive play as the team's future big man.

Chicago Bulls vs Oklahoma City Thunder game details:

Teams: Chicago Bulls vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Date & Time: October 25, 2023 / 8:00 PM ET

Venue: United Center/Chicago

Chicago Bulls vs Oklahoma City Thunder game preview and injury report

For the Windy City franchise, it is all about taking a step up as they look to have a better record in the upcoming season. With the expectation being a playoff berth, Billy Donovan and his men will look to take it one game at a time and hope to hit the 45-win mark that gives them a chance to evade the play-in altogether.

As for the Thunder, the young unit will look to be more than just one of the teams that play spoilsport by the end of the season. They have the necessary firepower from last season to go the distance.

Chicago Bulls vs Oklahoma City Thunder odds and prediction

Spread: Bulls (-1.5) vs Thunder (+1.5)

Moneyline: Bulls (-110) vs Thunder (+100)

Total (o/u): 228.5

The Chicago Bulls and the Thunder have not made drastic changes to their rosters in the summer with the hope that continuity will be key in their way forward this season. The likes of Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey will benefit from a young Holmgren in the mix.

LaVine, DeRozan and Vucevic are more than capable of doing the job, but all eyes will be on Coby White who has been tremendous as the team's point guard.