Two of the NBA's most historic franchises in the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers face-off tonight an national television. Obviously, this matchup in particular won't be a classic clash of the titans or anything, however, there's still intrigue here for many fans. All of the info you may need for the game is here, including the live stream link, betting line, TV schedule, a preview and prediction.
Game Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Channel: TNT (Sportsnet One locally)
Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, Calif.
Live Stream: NBA on TNT
Free Live Stream: Stream2U
Betting Line: -8.5 CHI; 200 O/U
Injury Front: Kobe Bryant is in, Julius Randle probable and Lou Williams doubtful for Lakers. Derrick Rose is probable, E'Twaun Moore questionable and Nikola Mirotic out for Bulls.
As stated above, these two franchises are certainly historic in basketball terms. But tonight, there's no Wilt, Kareem, West, Magic, Jordan, Pippen, Rodman or Shaq.
There still are a couple of guys named Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol; though, they're on different teams now. And there's even a couple of modern-day stars like Derrick Rose -- who's not what he once was, at least on a consistent basis -- and Jimmy Butler. But even with those few guys, it's not like it used to be.
However, there are still reasons to watch and get excited!
For one, the Lakers are going for their 10th win in 48 games. So that's ... something.
The Bulls, on the other hand, are trying to get back on track. It was only the beginning of the month where this team looked to have figured things out and were gelling, winning six in a row and sitting second in the East, but now they've dropped seven of the last 10. While most of their losses have come against competitive teams during this stretch, it's disheartening considering the high expectations going into the season.
Something this group needs to start doing is winning games that it's supposed to. A game against the Lakers, albeit on the road, is a game the Bulls should win without a problem -- hence the 8.5 road favorite line.
The Bulls are likely feeling the pressure to win on a nationally televised game, no matter the opponent, so look for them to put forth their best effort tonight.
Prediction: Bulls 106, Lakers 92
