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Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons 2021-22 NBA Season Preview, Predictions and Picks

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On Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, the Chicago Bulls are playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. This is the first regular season contest for both teams of the 2021-22 NBA season. BetOnline odds are listed below.

Game Information

Start time: 7 p.m. ET

Location: Little Caesars Arena; Detroit, Michigan

TV channels: Bally Sports Detroit, Bally Sports Indiana, NBA League Pass, NBC Sports Chicago

Radio broadcast: WXYT, WSCR

Live stream: fuboTV (seven-day free trial)

Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons news

Heading into tonight’s regular season opener, the Bulls are 3-0 in their previous three head-to-head meetings versus the Pistons. On May 9, 2021, the last time these teams faced off in the regular season, Chicago won 108-96. The Bulls are 7-3 in their last 10 games played against the Pistons as well.

Aside from injuries, the top news story concerns expectations this season for both teams. When asked about Chicago’s performance during the preseason, Zach LaVine stated, “The preseason showed the potential we have and the room to grow. It’s on us to out there and prove people wrong.”

Injury Report

For the Bulls, they have only two players on their injury report. Small forward Troy Brown Jr. is listed as questionable to play in tonight’s matchup. He is recovering from an undisclosed illness. And Coby White is out indefinitely due to a shoulder injury.

As for the Pistons, Saddiq Bey and Killian Hayes are listed as probable to play against Chicago. Though, Isaiah Livers is out indefinitely. This is because of a foot injury he sustained in the final preseason game versus Philadelphia. To add to the list, Cade Cunningham is also out tonight.

Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons betting lines

Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons 2021-22 NBA Season Preview, Predictions and Picks

Over/Under: 218.5

Point spread: Bulls -5 (-105)

Best moneyline: Bulls -195, Pistons +170

Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons preview

Moreover, the Bulls ended their 2021 preseason with a flawless 4-0 record. Last Friday, the Bulls defeated the Grizzlies 118-105 at home. Guard Zach LaVine scored a team-high 31 points in 34 minutes on the court. Guard Nikola Vucevic ended his performance with 23 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 31 minutes played.

During Chicago’s offseason, the front office made several notable moves. In a sign-and-trade agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans, Lonzo Ball was signed. Plus, forward Al-Frouq Amino was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for DeMar DeRozan and Thaddeus Young. Not to mention, the organization signed Tony Bradley, Alex Caruso, Daniel Oturu, Tyler Cook and others.

Meanwhile, the Pistons concluded their exhibition games with a mediocre 2-2 record. Last Friday, the Pistons defeated the 76ers 112-108 at home. Forward Jerami Grant led Detroit in scoring, putting up 24 points in 35 minutes played. Center Isaiah Stewart closed out his night with 17 points and 12 rebounds in 29 minutes spent on the court.

In the offseason, all eyes were on first overall pick Cade Cunningham. Aside from having the number one pick from the 2021 NBA Draft, the organization signed Isaiah Livers and Trey Lyles. Chicago also signed Luka Garza, Kelly Olynyk and Cory Joseph. Expectations are low this season. So, at least the pressure is off.

Next, for the Bulls’ projected starting lineup, they have PG Lonzo Ball, SG Zach LaVine, SF DeMar DeRozan, PF Patrick Williams and C Nikola Vucevic. The Pistons’ projected starting lineup consists of PG Saben Lee, SG Frank Jackson, SF Kelly Olynyk, PF Jerami Grant and C Isaiah Stewart.

Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons prediction

Furthermore, the total for tonight’s season opener is set at 218.5. Regarding the spread consensus, 86% of bettors are expecting Chicago to cover the spread in this one. And, pertaining to the total consensus, 58% of gamblers are leaning towards picking the under for this matchup. In the 2020-21 NBA season, Detroit finished 20-52 (.278). Therefore, it makes perfect sense why the under is the superior option.

For betting trends, Chicago is 5-2 against the spread in the team’s last seven games. The total has also gone under in five of the Bulls’ past six contests. And, the Bulls are 5-2 straight up in their previous seven games played. Not only is Chicago 7-0 versus Detroit in the team’s last seven contests, the total has gone under in five of their past six games played against Eastern Conference opponents.

As for the Pistons, they are 0-5 ATS in their last five games. Also, the total has gone under in five of the team’s previous five contests. And, Detroit is 0-6 SU in their last six games played versus Eastern Conference opponents. With all things considered, the total will likely go under 218.5.

Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons betting pick

Pick the Bulls to win on the road, they will cover the spread and the total will go under 218.5. Chicago is a five-point favorite with BetOnline.





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Brandon Miller hit career-high seven 3s, tied Hornets’ rookie record

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Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller made a career-high seven 3-pointers, tying the franchise rookie record for most in a single game, during Wednesday night’s 118-111 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The 6-foot-9 wing recorded 31 points, six rebounds, one assist, and a block in 35 minutes of action. He also finished 11-of-19 (57.9%) shooting from the field and 7-of-13 (53.8%) from 3-point range.

“I wasn’t aware, I was just happy that we got the win,” Miller replied when asked if he knew about tying the Hornets’ rookie record. “With being on a losing streak, I think a win like this can start something great and we’ll try to build off this.”

Miller drained a dagger 3-pointer with 25 seconds left to secure a seven-point lead and help Charlotte snap its five-game losing streak. It was his third 30-point game of his NBA career.

Brandon Miller became the third-fastest Charlotte Hornets rookie to reach 1,000 career points

“He was big,” Hornets coach Steve Clifford said of Charlotte’s No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft. “He made big plays, and he got going in the second half. Another really good performance.”

Earlier this month, Miller scored his 1,000th career point in his 60th career game against the Phoenix Suns on March 15. He became the third-fastest Hornets rookie to reach the mark behind only Alonzo Mourning (53 games) and Larry Johnson (55 games).

Through 65 games (59 starts) of his rookie season, Miller is averaging 17 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.4 3-pointers, and 32 minutes per game while shooting 43.6% from the floor, 36.8% from deep, and 81.7% at the line.

Additionally, Miller is set to become the 11th rookie in NBA history to average at least 15 points and two 3-pointers per game in a season.

Miller would join Allen Iverson (23.5 PPG, 2 3P), Stephen Curry (17.5 PPG, 2.1 3P), Damian Lillard (19 PPG, 2.3 3P), Lauri Markkanen (15.2 PPG, 2.1 3P), Kyle Kuzma (16.1 PPG, 2.1 3P), Donovan Mitchell (20.5 PPG, 2.4 3P), Luka Doncic (21.2 PPG, 2.3 3P), Kendrick Nunn (15.3 PPG, 2.0 3P), Anthony Edwards (19.3 PPG, 2.4 3P), and Jalen Green (17.3 PPG, 2.3 3P).

The Hornets host the Golden State Warriors on Friday.





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Victor Wembanyama 2nd NBA rookie with 300+ combined stls, blks

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San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama is the first NBA rookie to record 300 or more combined blocks and steals in a season since Shaquille O’Neal in 1992-93.

Wembanyama, 20, has amassed 222 blocks and 79 steals through 64 games, totaling 301. O’Neal logged 286 blocks and 60 steals in 81 games, combining for 346 in his rookie season.

Per multiple NBA betting sites, Wembanyama is the odds-on favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year. Sportsbooks are still showing great odds for Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren.

In San Antonio’s 118-111 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, Wembanyama posted 19 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and five blocks in 30 minutes of action.

It was his 21st game with five or more blocks, the most by an NBA player before age 21. O’Neal ranks second on the all-time list with 19 games, followed by Anthony Davis (14), Josh Smith (13), and Kevin Garnett (10).

The 7-foot-4 big man also finished 7-of-15 (46.7%) shooting from the floor, 1-of-4 (25%) beyond the arc, and 4-of-7 (57.1%) at the foul line.

San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama leads NBA in blocks, recorded a career-high 10 blocks

Through 63 games (all starts), San Antonio’s No. 1 pick in last year’s draft is averaging 20.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, an NBA-leading 3.4 blocks, 1.3 steals, and 29 minutes per game.

Wemby also leads the league with 217 blocks. He ranks 10th in total rebounds (662), eighth in defensive rebounds (519), 20th in steals, third in defensive box plus/minus (3.0), second in defensive rating (106.7), and sixth in usage percentage (31.8%).

Moreover, in San Antonio’s 122-99 loss against the Toronto Raptors on Feb. 12, Wemby notched 27 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a career-high 10 blocks in 28 minutes played.

He became the fifth NBA player since 1990 to register a triple-double with at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 blocks in a single game.

It was also the first triple-double with blocks since Clint Capela had 13 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 blocks for the Atlanta Hawks against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Jan. 22, 2021.

NBA sportsbooks show Wembanyama with second-best odds to win NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert is the front-runner with 10 games left of the regular season.





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Draymond Green’s first-quarter ejection among fastest in the past decade

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Draymond Green is at it again and has now received his fourth ejection of the campaign. It seems that no matter how much his team has asked him to control his emotions on the NBA floor, he finds a way to impact the game negatively with his low tolerance and aggressive nature. 

This time around, he was thrown out of the match with less than four minutes played on the clock into Golden State‘s clash against Orlando on Wednesday night. It was the forward’s first ejection since his 16-game suspension, which was a special punishment made by the NBA after he hit rival Jusuf Nurkic in the face.

With 8:24 still on the first quarter’s clock, the four-time champ started to argue with referee Ron Acosta after a foul was called on Andrew Wiggins. “It’s unfortunate. He deserved it,” his coach Steve Kerr said after beating the Magic 101-93. “And he’ll bounce back.”

Draymond was called for two technical fouls in a matter of seconds, and earned his ejection. “After a prolonged diatribe, Green directed egregious profane language towards a game official,” explained crew chief Mitchell Irvin, who then said this had nothing to do with the player’s history of misconduct.

Just as the veteran was seen walking to the locker room, his teammate Stephen Curry was visibly frustrated at the situation. Once the contest was over, he recognised how badly they need him on the floor. “We need him. He knows that. We all know that, so whatever it takes to keep him on the floor, for him to be available, that’s what’s got to happen, especially at this time of year,” he said. “I’ve talked to him plenty of times about it, even tonight, and I’ll continue to talk to him as a teammate and a friend.”

Nevertheless, the 36-year-old praised his team for the way they handled themselves on the court and conquered the game. “But it was a beautiful team effort to respond the way we did,” Curry expressed. “We went and took it, and that’s a good sign for us.”

Green didn’t attend the press after the match, but did share his excitement on social media by showing appreciation to his squad. “Great DUB!! Appreciate my dawgs holding it down! On to the next one! BOUNCE BACK!” he wrote on X.

Forward Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors in Draymond’s absence and was recognised by his locker room

Despite Green’s on-court antics earning him an ejection, Andrew Wiggins stayed calm and inspired his team to victory. Just in the first half, the forward dropped 13 points. By the end of the contest, he earned a team-high 23 points, plus 6 rebounds and two blocks over 35 minutes of play.

“Just trying to stay aggressive, trying to do whatever I can to get over the hump and get this win,” he told the press after the win. “We’re desperate. We need every win we can get.”

“He won us the game tonight – plain and simple,” Curry added. “I’m just proud of the way he took that challenge on, that he was assertive and aggressive. Whether he makes or misses shots, I could (not) care less. It’s just the ability for him to just be aggressive and take the shots that he knows he can take, put the pressure on the room, he’s knocking down 3s. Like everything. He had the whole bag working tonight.”

Their coach acknowledged how Golden State came back from a difficult situation. “It was a gutsy effort in tough circumstances, back-to-back, losing Draymond early” coach Steve Kerr shared. “And the guys just competed for 48 (minutes). Obviously, we need every game we could get right now so that’s why everybody was pretty emotional.”





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