Chicago - Charlotte. NBA match betting tip
On January 18, the United Center in Chicago will host a regular season NBA match between the Chicago Bulls and the Charlotte Hornets. Both teams are in a difficult situation, as the Bulls are trying to stay in the top 10 of the Eastern Conference, and the Hornets are in the penultimate place and have already lost their chances for the playoffs. Who will be able to succeed in this meeting? - find out in our betting tip

Command Analysis

Chicago Bulls

Current form
Chicago is in deep crisis. The team occupies the tenth place in the Eastern Conference, but holds it only due to the failures of its closest competitors. In the last three matches, the Bulls suffered defeats from Sacramento (119:124), New Orleans (113:119) and Atlanta (94:110).
The main problem of Billy Donovan team is their inconsistent play. Despite having such stars as Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, the team cannot find a balance between attack and defense. LaVine regularly shows good results in attack, but the lack of team play greatly affects the effectiveness.
Chicago needs to get its act together before a game against one of the conference outsiders. Playing at home should help the Bulls show more confident basketball and, perhaps, break their losing streak.
Disqualifications and injuries
Lonzo Ball, Torrey Craig and Taleg Horton-Tucker are all sidelined and will not be able to help the team in the next game.
Interesting facts for betting
The Bulls have won only one of their last five games.
Probable lineup: Williams - Lavigne, Vucevic - Giddy, White.

Charlotte Hornets

Current form
Charlotte continues to be at the bottom of the standings, occupying the penultimate place in the East. The season is almost over for the team, but the Hornets found motivation to please fans with bright moments. In the last three matches, the Hornets won against Phoenix (115:104) and Utah (112:107), but lost to the Clippers (102:117).
The team main engine is LaMelo Ball, who is in great shape. His interactions with teammates like Brandon Miller and Mark Williams are becoming more and more harmonious. This allows the Hornets to impose a fight even on stronger opponents.
The trip to Chicago will be another test for Charles Lee team. Charlotte has nothing to lose, which means the team can play freely and show attacking basketball.
Disqualifications and injuries
Tre Mann and Grant Williams will be out due to health issues.
Interesting facts for betting
The Hornets have three road wins this season.
Probable lineup: Bridges - Green, Williams - Miller, Ball.
Trends
Bet 1st quarter. Chicago win
The Bulls have won in the first quarter in three of their last five head-to-head games.
1.80Bet 1st quarter: total under 59 points
None of the last five head-to-head games have seen more than 59 points scored in the first quarter.
1.92Tip and bets
Chicago is in a tough spot. The team has issues both offensively and defensively, and three straight losses have seriously hurt the players' morale. For the Bulls, the match against Charlotte is a great chance to regain confidence and improve their position.
However, the Hornets have shown in recent games that they are capable of fighting. Wins over Phoenix and Utah prove that the team is not giving up. LaMelo Ball inspires his teammates with his play, and the lack of pressure allows the Hornets to play their own basketball.
In our opinion, the visitors can surprise in this match. Despite the underdog status, Charlotte has a chance of success thanks to more stable play in recent weeks.
Our prediction is a Charlotte win with a handicap of (+6) points for 1.72
Bet on total
Both teams are in dire need of a win, which could lead to an open game. Chicago will be looking to end its losing streak, while Charlotte will be looking to continue its winning streak. We expect the match to be high-scoring and the total to be beaten.
Betting Tip - total over 232 points for 1.67
Bet on statistics
The Hornets have shown that they can play effectively, especially against unstable teams. They have been scoring well in recent games, and this time LaMelo Ball and his partners will try to play aggressively again. We believe that Charlotte will beat its individual total.
Prediction - Charlotte individual total over 115.5 points for 1.90