The Chicago Bulls roll into Paycom Center tonight to face the juggernaut Oklahoma City Thunder, with tip-off at 8 p.m. ET already in the rearview. As the game unfolds, our NBA betting picks lean on Covers’ expert analysis and the latest trends to spotlight the best bets for this Monday night clash. We’ve got odds, a score prediction, top picks, and a breakdown of the last 10 Bulls-Thunder matchups to help you cash in on this Western vs. Eastern Conference showdown.
Bulls Hanging Tough, Thunder on a Tear
The Bulls (33-41) have been a surprise lately, winning nine of their last 12 despite trading Zach LaVine midseason. Saturday’s 120-119 heartbreaker to the Mavericks stung, but Coby White (29.1 points in March) and Josh Giddey (21.7 points post-All-Star) keep Chicago’s offense humming at 117.4 points per game (6th in the league). On the flip side, the Thunder (62-12) are a runaway train, smashing the Pacers 132-111 Saturday for their ninth straight win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.9 points per game) is an MVP lock, and OKC’s 120.1-point average (4th) and top-tier defense (106.9 allowed) make them a nightmare. Can Chicago keep it close on the road?
Bulls vs. Thunder Odds Snapshot
The Thunder opened as 15.5-point favorites per SportsLine consensus, with the over/under at 238.5 points. Money line odds sit at OKC -1050 (risk $1050 to win $100) and Bulls +675 (risk $100 to win $675). Chicago’s covered in eight of their last 10, while OKC’s 6-3-1 ATS as 15-point-plus favorites this season. The Covers Consensus shows 54% of bettors backing the Thunder to cover, with 67% on the Over. Our prediction? Thunder 126, Bulls 108—OKC covers, but the total dips Under.
Bulls vs. Thunder: Last 10 Matchups
OKC’s owned this rivalry, taking 7 of the last 10. Here’s the recent history:
| Date | Home Team | Away Team | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 26, 2024 | Bulls | Thunder | 114-95 | Thunder |
| February 5, 2024 | Thunder | Bulls | 119-108 | Thunder |
| October 25, 2023 | Bulls | Thunder | 124-104 | Bulls |
| January 13, 2023 | Bulls | Thunder | 124-110 | Thunder |
| December 14, 2022 | Thunder | Bulls | 118-112 | Bulls |
| January 24, 2022 | Thunder | Bulls | 111-110 | Thunder |
| November 22, 2021 | Bulls | Thunder | 121-96 | Bulls |
| March 16, 2021 | Bulls | Thunder | 123-102 | Thunder |
| February 15, 2021 | Thunder | Bulls | 120-114 | Thunder |
| December 16, 2019 | Thunder | Bulls | 109-106 | Thunder |
Note: Regular season games only. OKC’s 7-3 edge includes a 114-95 road rout this season on Oct. 26.
Best Bet: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 34.5 Points (-110 at bet365)
SGA’s been a scoring machine, leading the league at 32.9 points and hitting 34.5 or more in three of his last five. Against a Bulls defense that’s 22nd in points allowed over the last five (128.2), he’s got a green light. Chicago’s pace (102.8, 2nd) fuels high-scoring games, and Shai’s torched them for 33+ in recent outings. At -110, this is the night’s top prop—lock it in.
Analysis: Why OKC Covers
The Thunder’s home dominance (31-5 at Paycom) and elite efficiency (120.4 points, 106.9 allowed) overwhelm Chicago’s road struggles. The Bulls’ defense can’t contain OKC’s firepower—SGA, Luguentz Dort (43.8% from three in March), and a deep bench step up even if Chet Holmgren (hip, questionable) sits. Chicago’s hot, but OKC’s 16-1 run since February says they pull away late. Fade the Bulls’ cover streak here.
More Betting Nuggets
The Over’s tempting at 238.5—both teams top 124 points over their last five—but OKC’s second-ranked defense could cap Chicago under 110. The Bulls have hit the team total Over in 50 of their last 80 (+16.40 units, 18% ROI), yet our call leans Under. Coby White’s 20+ streak (15 straight) makes his 25.5-point prop (-115) worth a peek, but OKC’s perimeter D might cool him off.