Granger’s Pacers host Playoff-Bound Bulls – Chicago at Indiana

Divisional bragging rights – and playoff positioning will be the theme tonight when the Chicago Bulls (36-39 SU, 38-36-1 ATS, 41-32-2 O/U) and Indiana Pacers (31-43 SU, 40-32-2 ATS, 39-33-2 O/U) meet at Conseco Fieldhouse.

The Bulls fell to the Toronto Raptors 134-129 in overtime as a 2-point road underdog on Sunday, snapping their four-game winning streak while the final score played Over the posted O/U total (208.5).

Veteran shooting guard Ben Gordon led the Bulls with 37 points and gifted rookie point guard Derrick Rose added 23 points and nine assists.

The Pacers beat the Washington Wizards 124-115 as a 9-point home favorite on Sunday while the 239 combined points played well Over the posted over/under total of 207.5 points.

All-star forward Danny Granger scored a team-high 31 points for Indiana while rookie swingman Brandon Rush added 29 points and 10 rebounds in the win.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Picks.

Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Indiana

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago’s last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana

Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Indiana’s last 11 games at home

Indiana is 21-3 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Chicago

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana’s last 9 games

Indiana is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games at home

NBA Odds

Chicago Bulls +1½ -110

Indiana Pacers -1½ -110

Over 215½ -110

Under 215½ -110

Analysis: Both teams are playing well coming into this contest with Indiana having won three of its last four and the Bulls going an impressive 8-2 over their last ten contests. These teams have split two games this season with each winning on their home floor, but I like the Bulls to win and cover the spread in this matchup despite being on the road. Chicago has really been a different ballclub since adding veterans John Salmons, Brad Miller and Tim Thomas.

Take the Bulls to win and cover BetOnline NBA sports betting backers.

NBA Free Picks: Bulls -1½ Points/Under 215½ Total Points