The pick — SGP: Alex Caruso 2+ threes, Trae Young 3+ threes (+146, DraftKings)
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"Apathetic” best describes the feelings that fair-weather Bulls fans have toward the organization.
In a Play-In Tournament matchup that desperately needs vintage Jordan and prime Dominique to attract ratings, the same description is fitting.
There’s nothing terribly exciting about Bulls-Hawks. Both teams exhibit serious flaws. Both teams refuse to defend. And both teams will soon book it to Cancun after Wednesday’s winner gets ousted by either Miami or Philadelphia in Friday’s play-in finale for the East’s No. 8 seed.
Still, the squads’ almost outright refusal to guard, especially along the arc, presents an opportunity for bettors.
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For the Bulls guard with the follicle-challenged dome, defense may be the name of his game, but Caruso’s perimeter contributions are typically also on point.
He has splashed at least two triples in 12 of his past 15 contests, including in a seven-attempt game against the Hawks on April 1. He’s shooting 40.8% from downtown this season, so all that is required Wednesday is an average performance against an Atlanta D that’s surrendered 14.3 triples made (seventh-most in the league) and 38.8% shooting along the perimeter in its last 15 games.
As for Ice Trae, he’s sure to have the Bulls shivering. Over its last 15 contests, Chicago yielded the third-most threes per game (14.9) as opponents shot a fiery 38.9% against it. Young fell short by one triple the last time he tangoed with the Bulls, but, as his 8.7 outside jacks per game suggest, he’s sure to hoist a boatload of attempts in a must-win scenario. Since returning from a dinged digit, he’s shooting 46.2% from three.
Raise your interest level by investing in the betting market. It’s really the only reason to endure an otherwise lackluster play-in game.
NBA postseason record: 0-2, -2.00 units