Game Time: Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 3:40 PM ET
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Well, well, well. Look who’s riding a two-game winning streak—that’s right, the Chicago Bulls! After the misery we’ve endured this season, I almost don’t know how to process back-to-back wins. Now we’re heading down to Atlanta for a Sunday matinee, and suddenly, this team has me feeling cautiously optimistic.
Current Betting Lines
Spread: Bulls +5 (-115)
Moneyline: Bulls +156 | Hawks -180
Total: 246 points
Atlanta’s favored by 5 points at home, which honestly feels generous considering we’ve actually been covering spreads lately. Let me break down why this game is more interesting than the odds suggest.
Bulls Finally Showing Signs of Life
Here’s the bright spot in our otherwise frustrating season:
- 3-7 in last 10 games (not great, but improving)
- Back-to-back wins for the first time in what feels like forever
- 2-game ATS winning streak (this is huge, folks)
- 4-6 ATS in last 10 (trending in the right direction)
- Games going under 7 out of last 10
That winning streak isn’t just lucky—we’ve been covering the spread too. When you’re a Bulls fan this season, you take whatever momentum you can get.
Hawks Struggling Despite Being Favorites
Now here’s where it gets interesting for us. Atlanta isn’t exactly setting the world on fire:
- 4-6 in their last 10 games
- Currently on a 2-game losing streak
- 5-5 ATS overall, but here’s the kicker…
- 4 straight ATS losses (they can’t cover right now)
- Games going over 7 of last 10 (their defense has been leaky)
The Hawks are laying 5 points despite losing two straight and failing to cover four consecutive games? As a Bulls fan who’s watched this team disappoint me all season, even I’m seeing value on our side here.
Betting Analysis: The Case for the Bulls
Why Bulls +5 Makes Sense
Listen, I’ve been hurt before. But here’s my thinking:
- We’re actually playing with confidence (two straight wins)
- We’re covering spreads (2 in a row)
- Atlanta can’t cover to save their lives (0-4 ATS streak)
- Five points is a lot when both teams are struggling
Could Atlanta win? Sure. But cover 5 points while they’re in a slump and we’ve got momentum? I’m not so sure.
The Total Is Tricky
This one’s got me torn:
- Bulls games trending under (7 of last 10)
- Hawks games trending over (7 of last 10)
- Our last game went over (breaking our under streak)
- 246 is a pretty high number
The models say over, but our defense has been better than expected lately. This feels like a coin flip.
Moneyline Value?
At +156, there’s definitely value if you believe in the streak. We’re underdogs, but we’re the team with momentum. Atlanta’s reeling. I wouldn’t bet the house, but sprinkling a little on the Bulls moneyline? That’s the kind of homer bet I can justify.
What I’m Actually Betting
My Picks:
- Bulls +5 (-115) – This is my favorite play
- Lean Bulls ML +156 – Small unit for the upset
- Total: Probably staying away, but if forced, I’d take under
The simulation says Hawks win 130-123 and the over hits. But simulations don’t account for momentum, and right now, we’ve got it while they don’t.
Key Factors to Watch
- Can we make it three straight wins?
- Will our ATS streak continue against a team that can’t cover?
- Does Atlanta’s home court advantage matter when they’re slumping?
- Which trend breaks—our unders or their overs?
The Honest Bulls Fan Take
I’m not delusional. We’re still 3-7 in our last 10 games. This team has frustrated me more times than I can count this season. But something feels different right now. We’re playing with energy, we’re covering spreads, and we’re facing a Hawks team that’s lost two straight and hasn’t covered in four games.
Getting 5 points with the team that has momentum? I’ll take that all day.
Could Atlanta blow us out and make me look like an idiot? Absolutely. That’s the risk you take being a Bulls fan and a bettor. But this line feels like it’s giving us too much respect for our terrible overall record and not enough credit for our recent improvement.
Plus, it’s a Sunday afternoon game. Those always play weird. Maybe that works in our favor.
Final Prediction
My Call: Bulls keep it close, potentially win outright. Bulls +5 is the play.
Confidence Level: Medium-high (for a Bulls fan, that’s saying something)
If we lose by 6+, I’ll eat my words. But right now, I’m riding this mini-wave of Bulls optimism while it lasts. Lord knows it won’t last long in this season.