The Chicago Bulls host the Atlanta Hawks in the East 9 vs 10 Play-In game on April 17. It’s a
loser leaves town match as the season is over for the losing side while the winners will advance
to take on the loser of the 7/8 Play-In game. The winner of that game get to face the No. 1
seed, the Boston Celtics.
Chicago Bulls
Having home court advantage will be the key in this matchup as the Bulls defeated the Hawks in
both games played in Chicago this season, a 5-point win in December and 10-point victory in
February.
Strength
Demar DeRozan. And that’s where it stops. DeRozan has been the Bulls only consistent player
averaging 24 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists a game. Center Nikola Vucevic has helped as
well, averaging a double double.
Weakness
Zack LaVine is done for the year, and Lonzo Ball also isn’t coming back due to injury. They
limped into the Play-In game going 3-7 in the final 12 games. This may be the ceiling for this
team, and it would be hard pressed to see them advance into the playoffs with this roster. The
Bulls are also dead last for allowing 3-pointers.
Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young returned to the lineup after a finger injury just in time for the Play-In game. He
missed six weeks of action and now will try to get the Hawks into the playoffs.
Strength
The Hawks can score, averaging over 118 points per game, fourth most in the East. Young
leads the way with more than 26 per, while Dejounte Murray adds 22 and half points but after
that, it’s a big dropoff for offense. If this dynamic duo can control the pace, the Hawks could
get another game.
Weakness
Defensively, the Hawks give up the 3rd most points in the conference, surrendering just over
120 per game. And in the final two weeks of the season Atlanta has struggled losing four
straight.
Current Odds
Spread Moneyline Total
Hawks +3.5 -115 +132 O 218 -110
Bulls -3.5 -105 -152 U 218 -110
Season Series
December 26: Atlanta 113 @ Chicago 118
February 12: Atlanta 126 @ Chicago 136
April 1: Atlanta 113 @ Chicago 101
For the latest NBA odds visit BetOnline.