Thursday, December 25, 2014 at 8:00 PM

United Center in Chicago

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The Los Angeles Lakers will be hoping to get a bit more from their defense when they face the high-scoring Chicago Bulls on Christmas day. The Bulls were able to sweep their short two-game series against the Lakers last season.

On Tuesday night, the Lakers used a 63-points first half to help them upset the Golden State Warriors 115-105 at home. They finished that game with a 51.7 field goal percentage and they forced the Warriors into committing 19 turnovers.

Through 18 games this year, the Lakers have one of the worst defenses in the West by giving up nearly 110 points per game. Power forward Carlos Boozer has had a pretty good start to the season by averaging 13 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.

On Tuesday night, the Bulls were able to pick up their fourth win in a row when they defeated the Washington Wizards 99-91 on the road. They didn't shoot the ball particularly well in that game, but they did end up with a 52-41 rebounding advantage.

So far this season, the Bulls have scored about 103 points per game and they are near the top of the Eastern Conference in rebounding. Shooting guard Jimmy Butler is having a career year by averaging 21.7 points, 6.2 boards and 1.5 steals per game. Point guard Derrick Rose has scored 17.9 points per game while dishing out nearly five assists per game.

Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends

Los Angeles Lakers are 14-12-2 Against the Spread

Los Angeles Lakers are 16-12-0 against the Over/Under

Chicago Bulls Betting Trends

Chicago Bulls are 14-14-0 Against the Spread

Chicago Bulls are 15-12-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Los Angeles Lakers

12/24/14 G Kobe Bryant Rest is upgraded to probable Thursday vs. Chicago
12/23/14 C Jordan Hill Undisclosed "?" Thursday vs. Chicago
11/24/14 F Xavier Henry Achilles out indefinitely
11/17/14 F Ryan Kelly Hamstring out indefinitely
10/28/14 F Julius Randle Tibia out for season
10/23/14 G Steve Nash Back out for season

Chicago Bulls

12/23/14 G Kirk Hinrich Hamstring doubtful Thursday vs. LA Lakers
12/12/14 F Doug McDermott Knee out indefinitely

Tony's Pick: Take Chicago

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