Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards Free NBA Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 4/24/2014
Friday, April 25, 8:00 PM on ESPN, CSNB, CSNC
Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia
For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here
The Bulls seemingly had a fast-track to the Eastern Conference Finals after avoiding a first-round pairing against the veteran-laden Nets and a possible second round matchup with either the struggling Pacers or even upset-minded Hawks. Somebody forgot to tell Coach Thibodeau and his team that you don't get to play on if you lose round 1, a path the Wizards are sending them on as they've stolen a 2-0 series lead with two wins in Chicago.
The road doesn't expect to get any easier for the Bulls, heading to play in front of a Washington crowd that hasn't experienced a playoff game in six years. The Wizards took 2 of 3 from Chicago in the regular season and has stood up to the heavily favored Bulls in each of the first two matchups. Chicago lacks a go-to scorer down the stretch and has given up late leads which could also be attributed to the short 7 man rotation.
Nene has been the key for Washington thus far in the series, exploiting 2014 Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah at every opportunity. In game 1 Nene scored 24 and grabbed 8 rebounds to key a 102-93 win as +162 moneyline underdogs. On Tuesday night the big man scored the first 6 points of OT and 17 total as Washington went on to win 101-99 as a +189 bet. Oddsmakers have taken notice of the Wizards' dominance and have made them -3 favorites for Friday night's game 3.
ATS Trends
Chicago is 21-20-0 ATS on the road this season
Chicago is 20-21-0 against the over/under on the road this season
Washington is 16-23-2 ATS at home this season
Washington is 18-23-0 against the over/under at home this season
Injuries to Watch
Chicago
11/23/13 G Derrick Rose Knee out for season
Washington
No injuries to report at this time
Tony's Pick: Take Chicago
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