NBA Paris: Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons Preview, Odds, Head to Head

The rivalry between the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons will never disappear. No matter the position in the standings and all other circumstances, when these two teams clash, expect fireworks. The past between these two franchises had been incredibly colorful, and that’s why we wanted to cover the clash in Paris this Thursday afternoon. The Bulls are still near the play-in zone, while the Pistons sit near the bottom of the conference. Yet, that won’t play a big role at the Accor Arena in the City of Lights.

Preview

Chicago Bulls (20-24, -260) had three defeats in a row, before trashing the Golden State Warriors at the United Center. It was one of the Bulls’ better performances this year, winning 132-118. After 11 consecutive victories, we’ve seen Chicago beating the Dub Nation, following a roller coaster.

The Bulls had a 15-point lead at the end of the opening quarter, then the Warriors responded, taking over the lead, before Chicago’s push in the second half, once they outscored the rivals 73-56.

Nikola Vucevic had a masterful night with 43 points and 13 boards, hitting five threes and posting four assists and steals. Zach LaVine was behind with 27 buckets, nine boards, and six assists. He was 1-for-8 for three but without consequences. Coby White entered off the bench to score 15 points.

As for the Detroit Pistons (12-35, +180), this season was different from what they expected. We’re sure the management didn’t project them fighting for the upper part of the standings but did hope to see at least 30 wins at the end of the year. However, injuries, mostly Cade Cunningham’s, prevented them from taking a step forward.

Detroit has just one win in the past five games, and that was against Minnesota Timberwolves. After that, the franchise from Michigan lost to the New Orleans Pelicans and the New York Knicks, both times at home. The latter game ended 117-104 for the guests from the Big Apple.

The Pistons hit 18 threes and were good with the shooting percentage, but allowed the rivals to dominate the glass, 52 to 38 boards. Jaden Ivey and Saddiq Bay had 21 points each, while Bojan Bogdanovic skipped this event.

Head to Head Games

Since these two teams play in the same division, they meet four times per year. So far, there was only one clash, at the United Center in Chicago, where hosts easily beat the Pistons, 132-118. It was just before the New Year.

LaVine was more than fantastic in this game, having 43 points. DeRozan had 22 and Vucevic 19. On the other side, Jaden Ivey had a nice night with 22 points, Bogdanovic added 20, and Alec Burks dropped 19 off the bench.

Prediction

The Pistons are having a good time in Paris, getting well quite along with the fans and the media. But that won’t be enough for them to win here because Chicago has a better team and looks a bit in better shape. We have no doubts that the Bulls are going to come out as the winners of this clash, and celebrate in Paris. And to expect to see Messi, Neymar and Mbappe in the audience.

Pick: Chicago Bulls -180