Bulls vs. Nets NBA Picks: East Contenders Rolling

Two of the NBA's finest teams face off Saturday as the Chicago Bulls and the Brooklyn Nets collide. We make our top Bulls-Nets picks below.

The Bulls have been one of the NBA's top surprises to this point of the season after a slew of major acquisitions over the summer. At 15-8 straight up and against the spread, they're also a tremendously profitable team for bettors. Their excellent offense was expected, but the defense has been much better than anticipated.

Brooklyn has continued to roll this season behind F Kevin Durant and G James Harden. At 16-6, they are still the NBA's crown jewel this season; however, their 9-13 ATS record has been tough for bettors to stomach.

Here are my picks and predictions for Saturday's NBA matchup between the Bulls and Nets (odds via DraftKings Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Bulls vs. Nets Game Info

Date/Time: Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, 8 p.m. ETTV: YES, NBCS-CHILocation: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

Bulls vs. Nets Odds Analysis

This game started at Brooklyn -3 with a moneyline of -147, and that has barely changed since. The Nets are available for -2.5 or -3 at most sportsbooks. This is a great line for the Nets, and a reasonable moneyline return for the Bulls at +120 at DraftKings.

The total has increased from 219 to 221.5. This is the highest total of the day, which is understandable considering the marquee matchup.

Bulls vs. Nets Picks

Bulls +2.5 (-105)  ????Over 221.5 (-110) ????

SEE ALSO: Heat vs. Bucks Picks

Bulls vs. Nets Predictions

Bulls +2.5 (-105)

Brooklyn has played well of late but the Nets are playing the second game of a back-to-back. They're 2-1 in that situation this season, though they hold a narrow plus-0.3-point scoring margin in those contests.

We saw the Bulls beat the Knicks on Thursday night and they had Friday off. Losing SF Joe Harris for an extended period is a blow to the Nets and that could cost them on Saturday.

Brooklyn may win the game but it’s going to be a tight contest. Take the Bulls and the points.

Over 221.5 (-110)

We should absolutely expect fireworks at Barclays Center. The Bulls went Over the projected total in four of their last five games, and the Nets are likely to be tired on the second half of their back-to-back. Brooklyn played to the Over in eight of its last 11 contests.

I'm looking for the Bulls' backcourt to have significant success in the paint against the tired Nets.

SEE ALSO: All picks and odds. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.

Bulls-Nets picks made on 12/04/2021 at 11:15 a.m. ET.