The Bulls have thrived as road dogs, covering by an average of 4.0 points per game. They're red-hot, energized by Patrick Beverley's arrival, and playing the best defense in the league since the All-Star Break. The Clippers continue to feel the absences of Paul George and Norman Powell. Take the points.

This line was +5.5, so we've certainly lost some value, but I still like the number and think we are in a good spot to fade the Paul George-less Clippers. Los Angeles simply is not the same team without George and will require elite games from Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook to beat a Bulls team that has won seven of nine and can throw three stars at you in DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, who should be well-rested after getting ejected in the second quarter on Sunday. Chicago will be playing back-to-back games but will be full-throttle as it jockeys for playoff position.

The Bulls are getting hot at the right time. They have won five of their last six games with three of those victories coming on the road. Despite Nikola Vucevic being ejected early Sunday, they defeated the Lakers in Los Angeles by 10 points. They will remain in Los Angeles to face the Clippers, who have lost three of their last five. The Bulls are healthy, while the Clippers are missing Paul George (leg) and Norman Powell (shoulder). Winning might not be easy, but expect the Bulls to at least keep things close.