Clippers Aim to Extend Streak Against Struggling Bulls in NBA Showdown

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Clippers (24-17) will look to extend their four-game winning streak as they host the struggling Chicago Bulls (18-25) on Monday night at the Intuit Dome. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.

The Clippers have been on a roll since their Jan. 11 game against the Charlotte Hornets was postponed due to the Southern California wildfires. They secured their latest victory with a 116-102 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Bulls are reeling from a five-game losing streak, including a 113-102 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.

Los Angeles enters the game as 6.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 227 points, according to the SportsLine consensus. The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every NBA game 10,000 times, has been highly successful, returning over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model is currently on a 136-99 roll on all top-rated NBA picks since last season.

The Clippers have been buoyed by the return of Kawhi Leonard, who scored 19 points in Sunday’s win over the Lakers. However, Leonard will sit out Monday’s game due to right knee injury management. Paul George has stepped up as the team’s leading scorer, averaging 23.6 points per game this season. Ivica Zubac also delivered a strong performance against the Lakers, adding 21 points and 19 rebounds.

Chicago, on the other hand, is dealing with a lengthy injury report. Star guard Zach LaVine, who is probable with right patella tendonitis, has been a bright spot, averaging 23.7 points and 4.6 assists this season. However, the Bulls’ recent struggles have been compounded by turnovers, as they allowed 19 points off 16 turnovers in their loss to Portland.

The Clippers have covered the spread in six straight home games, while the Bulls have failed to cover in five consecutive games. The SportsLine model projects the game to go Over the total, with 232 combined points expected.

Injury concerns loom large for both teams. The Bulls have 11 players listed on their injury report, including Lonzo Ball (questionable) and Jevon Carter (out). The Clippers, meanwhile, have seven players on their report, including James Harden (probable) and Norman Powell (questionable).

This marks the first meeting between the two teams this season. The Bulls have lost their last four matchups against the Clippers and will look to turn the tide Monday night.