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The OKC Thunder continue their road stretch to open the season with a matchup against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. Saturday’s encounter will be the first meeting between the two teams since the Josh Giddey-Alex Caruso swap in the offseason. Oklahoma hopes to stay unbeaten after whipping the Denver Nuggets 102-87 on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Bulls’ busy opening week resumes in front of their fans for the first time this season. Chicago finished 1-1 to open the 2024-25 NBA season on the road. The Bulls look to keep their impressive play after beating the Milwaukee Bucks 133-122 less than 24 hours ago.
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OKC Thunder vs. Chicago Bulls Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds and Betting Tips
The United Center in Chicago will host the Thunder-Bulls showdown. Basketball fans can catch the action by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.
Moneyline: Thunder (-425) vs. Bulls (+325)
Spread: Thunder (-9.5) vs. Bulls (+9.5)
Total (O/U): Thunder (o231.0 -110) vs. Bulls (u231.0 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
OKC Thunder vs. Chicago Bulls preview
The OKC Thunder opened the season with an impressive beatdown of the Denver Nuggets. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams were nearly unstoppable against the Nuggets. The Thunder will be tough to beat if they can sustain the defensive effort and execution they showed in Denver.
The Chicago Bulls scored the first upset of the new season by beating the Milwaukee Bucks on the road. Coby White exploded for 35 points to lead his team to victory. The Bulls need him to have the same impact, particularly since they will be playing the second night of a back-to-back set.
Oklahoma is a tough challenge, even if the Bulls had been well-rested. On short rest, beating the Thunder will be an even tougher task.
LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets predicted starting lineups
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | SG: Isaiah Joe | SG: Lu Dort | SF: Jalen Williams. | C: Chet Holmgren
PG: Coby White | PG: Josh Giddey | SG: Zach LaVine. | PF: Patrick Williams | C: Nikola Vucevic
OKC Thunder vs. Chicago Bulls betting tips
Coby White’s 17.5 (O/U) points prop seems a surefire winner by going over. Following his impressive 35-point explosion against the Bucks, he could have another big night. The Thunder perimeter defense, though, is stacked. After limiting Jamal Murray to 12 points, they could do the same to White.
Go for under in Josh Giddey’s 12.5 (O/U) points prop on Saturday. The Australian will go against former longtime teammates who know how to defend him well. Giddey will be excited to prove his worth, but the Thunder defense has looked menacing.
OKC Thunder vs. Chicago Bulls prediction
The Chicago Bulls’ short rest is a disadvantage the OKC Thunder will be looking to exploit. Oklahoma beat up the Nuggets, who arguably have the best player in the NBA. The Thunder could walk away with another impressive road win on Saturday.
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