NBA Basketball
2010-11-19 - Chicago Bulls at Dallas Mavericks
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Friday 19 November 2010 - Tip-Off 9:30pm ET
2:30am (British Standard Time)
Preview
Both of these teams must be feeling good about their chances this season, although they must feel disappointed that they are not coming into this game riding a 5 game winning run. Dallas (7-3) lost their first road game of the season at New Orleans while Chicago (6-4) continue on their 'Circus Trip' after falling at the San Antonio Spurs.
Dallas blew a 10 point half time lead in the 3rd Quarter against the Hornets when they were outscored by 16 points and they will want to be more focused here. The Mavericks averaged just under 14 turnovers per game during their recent 4 game winning run, but gave up 7 in the 3rd Quarter alone against New Orleans.
Even with those mistakes, it took a blocked shot from David West to help the Hornets over the line. Caron Butler made a welcome return to the squad to give the Mavericks more depth on their roster, while Dirk Nowitzki is averaging his 2nd highest total against any team when playing the Bulls since the 2006 season.
The Bulls were also leading by 10 going into half time in their match with the Spurs, but blew the lead by being outpointed by 25 in the 3rd Quarter. They had a season low 12 points in that Quarter to lose control of the game.
That loss means they have dropped to 1-1 on this 7 game road trip. There is good news in the way Derrick Rose is playing and he has scored 33 points in each of the last 2 games.
Head to Head
Chicago have not had the best of times when visiting the American Airlines Center and have lost 12 of their last 13 games played there, including the last 5 in a row. Chicago were swept in the series last season and have now lost 21 of the last 24 games overall.
The Bulls are 4-1 against the spread in their last 5 games at Dallas, but they have been given at least 7 points start in those games.
Chicago have a 11-4 record against the spread in their last 15 road games.
Prediction
Dallas have been doing enough to win their games so far this season and must feel confident in playing Chicago considering their recent record against the Bulls. The roster is virtually at full strength too for the first time in a while, and Rick Carlisle will be keen to see his side returning to winning ways.
The 'Circus Trip' has not been kind to Chicago in recent seasons and this is not their favourite venue in the World. The key to the game will be keeping concentration for all 4 Quarters and I feel Dallas may have the edge if they go back to restricting their turnovers has they had been.
I can see the game being close for a while, but I think Dallas will pull the W with one big Quarter at some point in the game. Therefore, I will pick the Mavs minus the points.
The Pick :
Dallas Mavericks 97-90 Chicago Bulls
