Washington Wizards vs Chicago Bulls Picks and Predictions November 26th 2024

Wizards vs Bulls November 26th 2024

At 7:00 ET, the 2-13 Washington Wizards will host the 7-11 Chicago Bulls at Capital One Arena. The Bulls are favored by 4.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 244.5.

Washington is currently on an 11-game losing streak, and they are 15th in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Bulls are 10th in the East and are favored by 4.5 points.

Bulls vs. Wizards Key Information

The Bulls dropped to 7-11 on the season after a 142-131 loss to the Grizzlies on Saturday. Chicago, playing at home, entered the game as +4.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 273, well over the pre-game line of 244.5.

Chicago made a push with an 11-0 run, narrowing the score from 62-49 to 62-60. However, Memphis pulled away in the 3rd quarter, outscoring the Bulls 45-38. Despite a 33-33 tie in the 4th quarter, the Bulls couldn’t overcome the 109-98 deficit they faced going into the final period.

The Bulls connected on 19 threes at a 45.2% clip in their 142-131 loss to the Grizzlies, finishing with an overall field goal percentage of 50.5%. Zach LaVine led the way with 29 points, 17 of which came in the 3rd quarter.

Nikola Vucevic added 26 points, scoring 13 in the 2nd quarter, while Matas Buzelis also contributed 12 of his 14 points in the 2nd period.

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The Bulls struggled defensively, giving up 142 points to the Grizzlies, who shot 57% from the field. Chicago allowed 30 points in the 1st quarter, 34 in the 2nd, and a game-high 45 in the 3rd, before giving up 33 in the 4th.

From beyond the arc, the Grizzlies hit 19 threes at a 45% clip. The Bulls sent Memphis to the line 20 times, where they converted 13 free throws. Chicago gave up 13 offensive rebounds while recording 4 steals and 8 blocks.

Washington’s season continued to struggle as they fell to 2-13 after a 115-103 loss to the Pacers on Sunday. The Wizards were +12 point underdogs going into the game, and the final score matched that spread. The total points for the game were 218, falling short of the 241 O/U line.

Washington had a chance to pull off an upset after taking a 59-57 lead into halftime, but a 12-0 run by the Pacers turned the game around. The Wizards were down 92-87 heading into the 4th quarter but managed only 16 points in the final period while allowing 23.

In Sunday’s loss to the Pacers, the Wizards managed just 103 points, with Alexandre Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly each contributing 17. Sarr also grabbed 14 rebounds, shooting 46.7% from the field, while Coulibaly hit 2 threes at 40% efficiency.

Kyshawn George added 15 points, knocking down 2 threes at 50%. The Wizards shot 45.6% overall, but struggled from deep, hitting just 31.4% with 11 made threes. Coulibaly scored 11 of his 17 points in the 3rd quarter.

Defensively, the Wizards struggled in the 1st and 3rd quarters, giving up 31 and 35 points, respectively, in their 115-103 loss to the Pacers. They allowed Indiana to shoot 47% from the field.

Washington also had trouble defending the three, as the Pacers hit 12 threes at a 44% clip. The Wizards sent Indiana to the line 27 times, where they made 21 free throws. Washington finished with 8 steals and 5 blocks.

Coming in as the underdogs at +4.5, we have the Wizards as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 244.5, and our model projects the Bulls and Wizards to reach a combined total of 277 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Points Expected to Fly as Bulls Visit Wizards in NBA Cup Action

The Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards, two teams struggling to find their footing this season, clash on Tuesday night in an NBA Cup East Group C matchup in Washington, D.C. With both squads ranking near the bottom of the league in defense, fans can expect a high-scoring affair as the Bulls aim to snap out of their slump and the Wizards seek to end an 11-game losing streak.

Bulls Searching for Defensive Answers

The Bulls have dropped four of their last six games, including a 142-131 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. Defense has been a glaring issue, with Chicago allowing an NBA-worst 123.9 points per game this season.

Coach Billy Donovan didn’t shy away from addressing the team’s struggles.
“At some point, we’ve got to hold our ground,” Donovan said. “Defense is a talent. It’s no different than offense, in my opinion. … There are moments of truth where you are going to be on an island. You’re going to have to make the guy make a couple of different moves.”

Offensive Standouts Keeping the Bulls Competitive

Despite their defensive woes, the Bulls have no shortage of offensive firepower.

• Zach LaVine: Leading Chicago in scoring with 22.7 points per game, LaVine has been on a hot streak, pacing the team in scoring for three consecutive games, including 29 points against Memphis.
• Nikola Vucevic: Averaging 20.5 points and a team-high 9.7 rebounds, Vucevic continues to be a consistent presence in the paint. He contributed 26 points and eight rebounds in the loss to the Grizzlies.
• Matas Buzelis: The rookie added a career-high 14 points on Saturday, showcasing his potential as a contributor for the Bulls.

Wizards Desperate to End Their Slide

The Wizards haven’t tasted victory since late October, losing 11 straight games despite flashes of promise from their young players. Defense has been an issue for Washington as well, with the team allowing 122.9 points per game, second-worst in the NBA behind Chicago.

Young Core Showing Potential

Rookie Alexandre Sarr led the way in Sunday’s 115-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers with 17 points and 14 rebounds, matching fellow rookie Bilal Coulibaly’s scoring output. Sarr has shown promise on both ends of the floor, giving the Wizards hope for the future.

“When things go awry or things are feeling sticky … Malcolm (Brogdon) is a surefire way for us to get back in the groove of what we’re trying to do,” teammate Corey Kispert said, praising the veteran guard’s steadying influence.

• Kyshawn George: Starting in place of the injured Jordan Poole (left hip flexor soreness), George added 15 points and five rebounds. He has reached double figures in seven games this season and has grabbed at least five rebounds in six contests.
• Bilal Coulibaly: Continues to be a bright spot with his energy and effort on both ends, contributing consistently in scoring and defense.

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Key Matchups to Watch

1. Zach LaVine vs. Wizards’ Perimeter Defense: LaVine’s scoring ability will test Washington’s ability to contest shots and close out on the perimeter.
2. Nikola Vucevic vs. Alexandre Sarr: The battle inside the paint will feature Vucevic’s experience and scoring touch against Sarr’s emerging rebounding and defensive presence.
3. Rookie Impact: Both teams have relied on rookies for significant contributions. Matas Buzelis and Kyshawn George will have opportunities to showcase their skills in a fast-paced game.
4. Battle of the Benches: Depth could play a role, with Malcolm Brogdon’s leadership proving key for the Wizards, while the Bulls look for sparks from their supporting cast.

Points Aplenty in a Must-Win Scenario

Given their defensive shortcomings, both teams are likely to keep the scoreboard operators busy. Chicago has allowed an opponent to score 140 or more points three times in its last six games, while Washington has struggled to contain teams during their extended losing streak.

For the Bulls, this game offers a chance to right the ship and build momentum in East Group C. For the Wizards, it’s an opportunity to snap their skid and regain some confidence.

With offensive talent on both sides and defenses struggling to find answers, Tuesday’s game promises to deliver plenty of excitement—and plenty of points.