Bulls-Thunder Opens Thursday NBA On TNT Doubleheader

Oklahoma City Thunder at Chicago Bulls
NBA Betting Preview
Date: 11/8/2012 at 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: N/A
(click for latest NBA odds)
Television: TNT

Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder (2-2 straight-up, 2-1-1 against the spread) just finished a three-game homestand on Tuesday with a 108-88 win over Toronto as 9-point favorites. The game was essentially over at halftime, so the players got plenty of rest. Point guard Russell Westbrook is shooting just 38.7 percent from the field and playing with a sore shoulder (click to check latest NBA injury report). His scoring is needed Thursday as the Thunder venture on the road still adjusting to life without James Harden. Their only road game this year was an 86-84 loss as 2-point ‘dogs at San Antonio on November 1.

Chicago Bulls: The Bulls (3-1 SU, 1-3 ATS) last played on Tuesday as well, a 99-93 home win over previously unbeaten Orlando. They failed to cover as 9-point favorites and are now 0-3 ATS (2-1 SU) at home this year. Coach Tom Thibodeau’s team has used a balanced scoring attack to make up for Derrick Rose (knee) being out while the defense has still remained stingy, allowing 88.8 points per game (ranked second in the NBA). The home team is 3-0 SU and ATS in the last three games between the Thunder and Bulls. The "under" is 5-1 in the last six meetings overall.

Los Angeles Clippers at Portland Trail Blazers
NBA Betting Preview
Date: 11/8/2012 at 10:30 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: N/A
(click for latest NBA odds)
Television: TNT

Los Angeles Clippers: Los Angeles (2-2 SU and ATS) is hosting San Antonio on Wednesday night (result pending), so this will be the second half of a back-to-back. This will also be the Clippers’ first game outside the Staples Center since their one previous road game was at the Lakers. Blake Griffin is averaging just 16.3 PPG and currently playing through an elbow injury. LA is averaging 104.3 PPG (ranked fourth) while allowing 102.3 PPG (ranked 24th). That combination has caused the "over" to go 4-0 in the team's games so far this season.

Portland Trail Blazers: The Trail Blazers (2-2 SU and ATS) return home after a three-game road trip that saw them go 1-2. Their only home tilt this year was a 116-106 win over the Lakers as 2 ½-point ‘dogs on October 31. Rookie point guard Damian Lillard (19.3 PPG) has excelled so far, but there’s too much reliance on the starters, who account for 87.2 percent of team scoring. Portland is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games against the Clippers, and the "over" is 8-2-1 in the last 11 meetings between the teams there.

Click here to sign up for a FREE 4-day trial of Don Best Real-Time Odds!

More NBA Betting Info: NBA Odds | NBA Matchups | NBA Injuries | NBA Trends