For many years, the Chicago Bulls logo was synonymous with NBA titles. Now, the Bulls have missed the playoffs for two years in a row and seven of the last ten seasons. Although winning titles doesn’t seem to be on the horizon for the Bulls, they finally seem to be moving away from NBA mediocrity. Unfortunately for Bulls fans, this means they may start properly tanking, but at least they won’t be pointlessly fighting for the eighth seed any longer. This 2024-25 NBA betting preview will look at the Chicago Bulls odds and determine their chances to surpass their win total predictions.
2024-25 NBA Betting Preview: Chicago Bulls Win Total Odds
*All Chicago Bulls odds are courtesy of FanDuel.com*
Transitioning From OK to Worse?
The Bulls’ recent offseason moves reflect a team in transition, as trades involving DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso signal the beginning of a roster overhaul. Zach LaVine could be the next name to move out of Chicago, as the team seems to be putting a focus on youth and rebuilding.
The Bulls’ offseason acquisitions include drafting Matas Buzelis at No. 11, acquiring Josh Giddey from Oklahoma City, and Chris Duarte from Sacramento. Jalen Smith was also signed to a three-year, $27-million contract. DeRozan and Caruso were the two veterans that most helped keep the Bulls afloat, and without them next season, the Bulls’ win total could take a big hit. The Bulls’ central division odds are long, and their win total projections are low.
Zach LaVine = still explosive
(h/t @Bullskickass) pic.twitter.com/uKAXlwRUcc
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 16, 2024
Chicago Bulls Odds By the Numbers
The Chicago Bulls’ projected win total for the 2024-25 season is 27.5 wins. The Bulls haven’t won less than 30 games since the 2018-2019 season, meaning oddsmakers are expecting a big regression in Chicago.
The Bulls have gone over their projected win total in three of the last four seasons. Although they haven’t been able to make any postseason noise, with a solid core of veterans, they’ve been able to defy the odds and rack up a decent amount of regular-season wins for the last few seasons. Now, with the youth movement potentially taking over, the Bulls may be fighting to scrape themselves off the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
Kings have agreed to a sign-and-trade with DeMar DeRozan on a three-year deal, sending Harrison Barnes to the Spurs and Chris Duarte, two second-round picks and cash to the Bulls, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/LI6vHu8qFw
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 7, 2024
Hard to Predict Bulls Odds
If you look at the Chicago Bulls roster, they are better than a 27-win team. Coby White proved himself as a solid NBA point guard, Giddey has shown flashes of offensive brilliance, and LaVine or Nikola Vucevic are liable to drop 20 points on any given night.
However, the continued uncertainty surrounding LaVine, who played just 25 games last season due to injuries, is making bettors cautious. The team’s focus will likely shift toward the development of young players like Buzelis and Giddey, with an eye on potential future trades involving LaVine and Vucevic.
Unless the Bulls roster gels in an unexpected way and shows itself as a threat early, there is a good chance this team sells some of its parts throughout the season. Because of that, it is impossible to predict how many games the Bulls will win this season. Keep in mind the upcoming NBA draft contains elite talent, a real tank job could be all the Bulls need to once again contend.
