The Chicago Bulls face a challenging road test Tuesday night when they visit the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Tipoff is set for 9:05 p.m. ET, and the betting markets suggest we’re in for an uphill battle in the Mile High City.
Game Information
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Tipoff: 9:05 p.m. ET / 7:05 p.m. MT
Location: Ball Arena, Denver
League: NBA
Betting Lines and Odds
Moneyline:
- Bulls: +252 (heavy underdogs)
- Nuggets: -345 (heavy favorites)
Spread:
- Bulls: +8 (-111)
- Nuggets: -8 (-111)
Total: 230.5 points (Over -112 / Under -110)
Bulls Recent Form: Playing Well Despite Last Loss
Chicago enters this matchup with solid recent form at 7-3 in their last 10 games, though we’re currently on a 1-game losing streak. More importantly for bettors, we’re 6-4 against the spread during that stretch, showing we’ve been competitive even when not favored.
Bulls games have split evenly on totals (5 overs, 5 unders) in the last 10, with the most recent game going over. This suggests our games have been unpredictable from a scoring perspective.
Nuggets Finding Their Rhythm
Denver sits at .500 (5-5) in their last 10 games but enters on a 2-game winning streak. More impressive is their 7-3 record against the spread in that span, with another 2-game ATS winning streak active.
Nuggets games have also split on totals (5 overs, 5 unders) but are currently riding a 2-game under streak, suggesting recent defensive improvements or slower-paced contests.
Why the Spread Matters
Eight points is a substantial spread, even on the road against a quality opponent. Here’s what makes this interesting:
Bulls Have Been Covering
Our 6-4 ATS record shows we’ve been exceeding expectations. When people doubt us, we tend to show up and keep games closer than the betting markets anticipate.
Denver’s Home Court
Playing at altitude in Denver presents unique challenges. The thinner air affects conditioning and shooting touch, especially for visiting teams. The Nuggets know how to exploit this advantage.
Nikola Jokić Factor
Let’s be real – Jokić is a problem. The reigning MVP candidate can dominate games in multiple ways, and containing him requires near-perfect execution.
Betting Analysis
The Spread
Bulls +8 feels like solid value. Even if Denver wins, our recent ATS success suggests we’ll keep this within single digits. We’ve shown resilience in tough road environments.
The Moneyline
Bulls +252 is tempting for believers, but this requires an outright upset. Denver at home is tough, and that line reflects legitimate advantages for the Nuggets.
The Total
230.5 points is a high number that requires both offenses clicking. With Denver’s recent under streak (2 straight) conflicting with our last game going over, this creates uncertainty about the pace and scoring.
Bulls’ Path to Covering
For us to keep this within 8 points (or pull off the upset), we need:
- Control the pace – Can’t get into a track meet with Denver’s offensive firepower
- Limit turnovers – Every possession matters as underdogs
- Make threes – Need to shoot efficiently from distance to stay competitive
- Bench contributions – Our second unit must provide quality minutes
Nuggets’ Advantages
Denver brings significant edges:
- Home court at altitude
- Jokić’s playmaking ability
- Recent momentum (2-game win streak)
- Covering spreads consistently (7-3 ATS in last 10)
Bulls Fan Perspective
As someone who follows this team closely, I think we can keep this closer than 8 points. Our 7-3 record in the last 10 games isn’t a fluke – we’ve been playing competitive basketball even when not favored.
The altitude will be a factor, especially late in the game when legs get heavy. But our recent ATS success (6-4) shows we have the fight to stay competitive even in difficult road environments.
Game Prediction
Projected Score: Nuggets 119, Bulls 114
Denver wins at home, but Chicago covers the 8-point spread. The Bulls’ recent form and ability to exceed expectations on the road keeps this a single-possession game deeper into the fourth quarter than the betting market anticipates.
Best Bets:
- Bulls +8 (strong value)
- Bulls ML +252 (small play for believers)
- Over 230.5 (both teams can score)
For Bulls fans watching, this is a chance to see how we compete against one of the West’s elite teams. The spread suggests a blowout, but our recent play indicates we’re better than that.
We might not win in Denver, but we’ll make them earn it. That’s all you can ask for when playing on the road as heavy underdogs.