We have a first today in the NBA. The Bulls are chalk for a second straight game. That hasn't happened all season. Chicago ended a 10-game losing streak by defeating the Cavaliers, 104-88, on the road this past Monday. Now the Bulls come home to face the Hawks.

Chicago has won consecutive games only once all season. Atlanta is the better team with the superior record. The Hawks are a respectable 8-9 in their last 17 games. They have revenge for an early-season loss to the Bulls.

The Hawks have a winning road point spread mark. The Bulls have a losing home point spread record.

Atlanta's next five games are on the West Coast. The Hawks don't play again until Saturday so a maximum effort should be forthcoming especially following a dismal 122-103 blowout home loss to the Magic two days ago. Atlanta is 6-2 ATS after a defeat.

Sparked by second-year breakout star John Collins, the Haws lead the NBA in offensive rebounding while ranking No. 2 in rebounds per game. Collins can really hurt the Bulls, who are missing their toughest inside presence with center Wendell Carter Jr. out with a thumb injury.

Collins, Trae Young and Kevin Huerter, a playmaking wing with an excellent 3-point shooting touch, give the Hawks an excellent and underrated young core. Huerter is expected to play after missing the Magic game due to a sore neck. The Hawks also have Taurean Prince back from injury. He's Atlanta's fourth-leading scorer.

(Editor's note: Long-time NBA guru Stephen Nover is having another strong NBA season going 63-46 for 58 percent, including going 25-14 on his last 39 premium/free NBA plays.)