BULLS: (-8.5, O/U 179.5) Chicago might have finished with the best record in the NBA this season, but they are finding the playoffs to be a different animal. The Bulls have already lost home court advantage against the Hawks in their 2nd Round series, thanks to their Game 1 loss. Making matters worse was the injury in the closing minutes to PG Derrick Rose. Rose says the injury isn't a big concern, but several within the organization worry about him potentially being hindered moving forward. Chicago is 39-6 SU and 25-19 ATS in home games this season. The Bulls are 8-5 ATS as a home favorite between 6.5 and 9 points this year. Rose is averaging team highs of 27 PPG and 6.8 APG during the playoffs for Chicago. C Joakim Noah is averaging a double double during the playoffs, 11.8 PPG and a team high 10.3 RPG. The Bulls are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Chicago is 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games against the Southeast Division. The Bulls are 27-10 ATS in their last 37 games following an ATS loss. Chicago is 29-13 ATS in their last 42 games playing on 1 days rest. The Bulls are 35-17-2 ATS in their last 54 games following a SU loss. Chicago is 1-8 ATS in their last 9 home games against a team with a losing road record.

Projected Score: 91 (UNDER-Total of the Day)

LAKERS: (-7, O/U 186.5) Los Angeles is in a familiar situation, as they have lost homecourt advantage in the very first game of a series yet again. The Lakers blew a 16 point lead, ultimately losing to Dallas 94-96 SU in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. Los Angeles now faces a near must win scenario, as they simply can't afford to go down 0-2 heading back to Dallas. The Lakers only scored 94 points in Game 1, the fewest they've scored against the Mavericks in their 4 meetings this season. Despite the Game 1 loss, the Lakers are a larger favorite tonight than during Game 1, and also the largest favorite they've been in any of the meetings this season. Los Angeles is 32-13 SU and 16-29 ATS in home games overall this season. The Lakers are 7-9 ATS as a home favorite between 6.5 and 9 points this year. Los Angeles is just 1-3 ATS at home during the playoffs thus far. G Kobe Bryant is averaging a team high 24.4 PPG during the playoffs. C Andrew Bynum is averaging 14.1 PPG and a team high 9.6 RPG during the playoffs for Los Angeles. The Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Los Angeles is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games against the Southwest Division. The Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a SU loss. Los Angeles is 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 Wednesday games.

Projected Score: 99 (SIDE of the Day)