The Chicago Bulls tethered their hopes to the midrange specialist by acquiring him in a massive sign-and-trade deal that received plenty of criticism two offseasons ago. After starting the 2021-22 season off strong, the Bulls have fallen off. They may now have to play without their leading scorer, per the latest DeMar DeRozan injury update. He is yet to miss a game this year but left Monday’s game early due to a quad strain. The recency of the injury means Bettors must seriously consider whether DeMar DeRozan is playing tonight before placing their wagers.
Fortunately, the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards tip off early at 7 p.m. ET. Bettors should get an update on DeRozan’s questionable status by the mid-afternoon. Those looking for an edge should heed this advice or check out the OddsShopper tools for sharp NBA bets. Bettors can also try out a one-week free trial of NBA Bet Pro to access cutting-edge betting projections that will update once the Bulls announce DeRozan’s official status.
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DeMar DeRozan Injury Update – NBA Betting Impact
DeRozan landed on Al Horford after driving to the basket in a losing effort against the Boston Celtics. The Bulls ruled him out immediately after the injury. They then listed him as questionable on Tuesday night’s injury report and are yet to change that designation. The Bulls may take things carefully with the 33-year-old veteran, especially since he is yet to miss a game this year.
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The Bulls will face the Wizards in a not-so-insignificant battle between struggling squads. The Wizards, who have already ruled out star Bradley Beal, sit two games behind the Bulls for 10th in the Eastern Conference — the last spot for the play-in tournament. Although neither the Bulls nor the Wizards have the roster to go on a deep playoff run, their franchises have invested heavily in short-term success, and neither team has shown any signs of tanking.
If DeRozan can’t go, he would join Javonte Green as a missing member of Chicago’s rotation. The Wizards have things much worse: Kristaps Porzingis, Daniel Gafford and Corey Kispert are all questionable. The Bulls may not need DeRozan to top the injury-depleted Wizards, and that information may weigh on the minds of those in control. Should DeRozan sit, Zach LaVine would retake the controls of this offense, and shooting guard Coby White may enter the starting five.
Bulls-Wizards NBA Betting & DFS Advice
It’s possible that the Bulls opt to play things safe by resting DeRozan tonight. With DeRozan projected to rank 11th in tonight’s NBA DFS slate, his absence could carry meaningful consequences. Zach LaVine would have a much better chance of paying off his $8,000 salary at DraftKings, and Coby White could easily hit value at just $3,300.
The Bulls are 1.5-point favorites at DraftKings and 1-point favorites at FanDuel. Those numbers suggest the books expect either both DeRozan and Porzingis to play or neither. However, the Bulls are 0-3 against the spread as road favorites and have gone only 8-13 straight up on the road. This spread will probably flip in favor of Washington if DeRozan can’t go but Porzingis can.
Bettors who think DeRozan will sit should head to DraftKings to back the Wizards as 1.5-point underdogs. Getting the +1.5 before definitive news about DeRozan and Porzingis’ statuses comes out would likely score bettors some closing-line value (CLV). Those new to DraftKings can earn $200 in bonus bets with a $5 wager. Bettors in Ohio can score the same deal but via this link instead!
