Mavericks vs. Bulls odds, how to watch, predictions

The Dallas Mavericks host arguably the hottest team in the NBA on Jan 9 as the Chicago Bulls visit the American Airlines Center. The Bulls have the best record in the Eastern Conference and have won nine straight games. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are arguably the best scoring duo in the league, and the Mavs defense will get a stern test on Sunday night.

Dallas is riding their own five-game winning streak, and they have ratcheted up their play as the Mavs started getting players back from the health and safety protocols. Head coach Jason Kidd and star Kristaps Porzingis remain out on the COVID list, but the Mavericks are finally getting healthy.

Fans are wondering if Luka Doncic will play against the Bulls as he deals with an ankle injury. Here is a look at the odds, how to watch, the latest on the injuries, and more.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Chicago Bulls: How to watch

Start time: 6:30 p.m. CT or 7:30 p.m. ET

How to watch: Bally Sports Southwest- Dallas (Mavericks local market), NBC Sports Chicago (Bulls local market)

Watch online: NBA League Pass

Dallas Mavericks vs. Chicago Bulls: Injury report

The Mavs ruled out Kristaps Porzingis (health and safety), Willie Cauley-Stein (personal), and JaQuori McLaughlin (G League) for Sunday’s game. Luka remains questionable with his ankle injury, but that remains an upgrade from doubtful heading into Friday’s game in Houston.

The Bulls ruled out Alex Caruso (health and safety), Patrick Williams (wrist), Javonte Green (adductor), Tyler Cook (ankle), and Jordan Bell (not with team) to face the Mavs. They are the only players listed on Chicago’s injury report.

Fans should check social media just before tipoff for the latest on Luka and his ankle injury.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Chicago Bulls odds, spread, over/under

According to WynnBet, the Mavericks are 3.0 point underdogs to the Bulls. They are plus-130 on the moneyline, and the game’s over/under sits at 217.0.

The Mavs over/under is 107.5, which they have topped just twice in their last six games.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Chicago Bulls predictions

The Bulls come to Dallas and make it a ten-game winning streak tonight behind a 30-point performance from DeMar DeRozan and 25 from Zach LaVine. The Mavericks have struggled to stop both players in recent years, and they went off for a combined 40 in the first meeting this season.

Dallas gives Luka Doncic another game to rest as the team does not play again until Wednesday in New York City. Jalen Brunson has a 20-point double-double, but it is not enough as the Bulls cover the spread, and the game goes under 217.0.

Expect Luka Doncic to shake off his ankle injury and play in Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night. Kristaps Porzingis could return as well as the Dallas Mavericks look to get healthy and keep climbing the Western Conference standings. Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest on the team.