Trail Blazers at Bulls NBA Picks: The Chicago Bulls (30-27) have enjoyed good fortune, due to a weaker schedule, since the All-Star break but things will get a little harder for Friday's game when the Portland Trail Blazers (34-26) come to the Windy City (8 pm Eastern). The Bulls have won five of six since the break and seven of nine since Feb. 6. There is a catch – none of those victories have come against a winning team.
NBA oddsmakers at online sportsbook BetUS.com have installed the Bulls as 3 1/2-point favorites versus the Blazers with a 192 1/2 total. Blazers backers are getting +145 odds on the BetUS moneyline while the Bulls are giving -165.
The Blazers are searching for their sixth straight win over the Bulls and third in a row at the United Center, but they will bring in a much different team than the one that took a 122-98 home victory against Chicago on Nov. 23.
Portland centers Greg Oden, who had a career high-tying 24 points and 12 rebounds in that win, and Joel Przybilla are out for the season with injuries. Speaking of injuries; Brandon Roy has returned to good form after missing action from a sprained right hamstring. Roy missed 14 of 15 games from Jan. 15-Feb. 10.
Since returning from the break, point guard Derrick Rose has averaged 22.8 points and shot 54.3 in six games, but one of his teammates had an even better performance in Wednesday night's 120-110 victory over Indiana. Luol Deng had a season-high 31 points as Chicago recorded a season high-tying third straight home win.
NBA Picks: We like the Bulls giving 3 1/2 tonight.
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