On Monday, 3/31, the Oklahoma City Thunder (62-12) will host the Chicago Bulls (33-41) in an inter-conference match-up. The Thunder have been unbeatable at the 1st spot in the West, meanwhile, the Bulls are fighting at the 9th position in the East. Will the sneaky Bulls have any answer for the strongest team in the league? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Thunder: Title favorites
The Oklahoma City Thunder will cruise into this game after a 22-point demolition job over the Indiana Pacers as MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exploded for 33 points. It was their ninth straight win and the Thunder are 16-1 since late February. They are the only team that hasn’t lost two in a row more than once. This incredible winning system has made them the no.1 choice to at least make it to the NBA Finals.
Their performance on both ends has been admirable. The Thunder has the highest +/- of +13.2, a mark proving their demolition jobs throughout the season. They have scored 120.4 points per game(4th) while limiting their opponents to 106.9 PPG(2nd). The best part of their run has been their ability to soak up injuries, as in the case of frontline players Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. Such depth is usually the hallmark of a champion.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | SG: Luguentz Dort | SF: Jalen Williams | PF: Chet Holmgren | C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Key Injuries/Updates: The status of Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams, and Isaiah Hartenstein is UNCLEAR.
Bulls: Showing admirable fight
The Chicago Bulls will enter the match after a 1-point loss against the Dallas Mavericks, despite a 29-point performance by Matas Buzelis. This defeat broke a four-game winning streak, and the Bulls are 9-3 over the last 12 games, their best period all season long. The team has actually elevated their play since trading away their former leading scorer, Zach Lavine.
The backcourt of Josh Giddey and Coby White has been scintillating, while the frontline has done a great job of supporting them. In March, they have scored 120.9 PPG(5th) thus far and did a terrific job limiting their turnovers with just 12.8 TOPG(7th). However, their defense has been weak as they have conceded 119.7(3rd worst). They could have risen to the 7th spot if their defense was a tad more reliable.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG Josh Giddey | SG: Coby White | SG/SF: Kevin Huerter | SF/PF: Matas Buzelis | C: Nikola Vucevic
Key Injuries/Updates: The status of Lonzo Ball is UNCLEAR. Ayo Dosunmu is OUT for the season.
The Bulls have scored 120+ at a regular pace, and the same goes for the Thunder. On the other hand, OKC’s defense has been heads and shoulders above Chicago’s. I believe they will give a lot of trouble to the Bulls here and limit them under 110 for the first time this month. I expect the total to be in the early 230s.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to put up over 34.5 points: The Thunder PG has maintained an average of 33 PPG throughout the season. I believe he will cross his season average in this case.
Jalen Williams to score over 22.5 points: The Thunder Wing has tallied 21.3 PPG this season, putting up 23 PPG in March. I believe he will hit his month’s average in this battle.
Coby White to be limited under 20.5 points: The Bulls’ elite sharpshooter has gathered a season-high 29.5 PPG in March, not scoring below 20 in any game. However, I expect the Thunder’s defense to make it happen here.
Josh Giddey to grab over 10.5 rebounds: The Bulls’ all-around PG has accumulated 10 RPG in March. I believe he will hit the mark again.

The Thunder are ruthless every night, and a team with a losing record is easy prey for them. Meanwhile, the Bulls have done a fantastic job against even top-quality teams, so OKC would be wary of them here. But I don’t see Chicago keeping the losing difference in single digits, meaning Oklahoma City can carve out yet another 15+ points win.
Safe Spread Pick: Thunder -15.5 for -105 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
nba Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!
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