Bulls 2024-25 Betting Preview: Prediction, Roster Projection

The Chicago Bulls are officially in rebuild mode, but are the betting markets counting them out too much?

NBA futures odds are available at the online sportsbook, including Chicago Bulls odds for NBA champion, division winner, and player awards.

Bulls Futures Odds

Win Total: 27.5
Central Division: +15000
Eastern Conference: +50000
NBA Championship: +100000

Chicago is an NBA odds long shot this season.

The Bulls are +100000 to win the championship, placing them in the group with tanking teams such as the Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, and Portland Trail Blazers.

Chicago’s win total has dropped 10 games after finishing 39-43 last year.

Bulls Offseason Moves

The Bulls entered a rebuild by trading away Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan this summer, which might have been long overdue.

Additions

Departures

Chicago is focused on its long-term outlook instead of competing for a play-in tournament spot in a weak Eastern Conference. Andre Drummond, DeRozan, and Caruso are off this team after they each played 70-plus games last year.

The Bulls landed Josh Giddey from the Oklahoma City Thunder in their one-for-one swap with Caruso. 

Because NBA Twitter believes the Bulls were fleeced in this deal, Giddey probably has more upside than most realize. He has averaged 13.9 points and 5.7 assists per game in his first three seasons.

Bulls 2024 Betting Prediction

Prediction: Matas Buzelis to Win Rookie of the Year (+2000)

Matas Buzelis has been my NBA Rookie of the Year odds prediction since draft night when he opened with a +2000 value. He is now 10/1 to win the award.

There aren’t many rookies stepping into significant roles in their debut season, but Buzelis should after being the No. 11 pick in this year’s draft. He could even find himself in the starting lineup if Chicago trades away Zach LaVine at some point.

Buzelis, a Chicago native, averaged 14.1 points per game with G League Ignite last season. He was ranked as high as No. 4 on Kevin O’Connor’s big board at The Ringer.

I have already bet on Buzelis winning this award, but there is a chance that his price gets better after starting the season as a reserve.

2024-25 NBA Team Previews & Predictions