Over the last couple of weeks, Portland and Chicago have both undergone a reversal of fortunes. Portland got off to a bad start, but has won 7 of its last 11 games. This run now has them 10th in the Western Conference, which would be a play-in spot. Out in the East, Chicago had occupied the top spot for a bit. But now the Bulls are in second after dropping 7 of 10.

I expect this Sunday matchup to be pretty high-scoring. The Bulls are having issues defensively. Friday was the third time this month that they surrendered more than 130 points. They let the Spurs shoot 52.6% and lost 131-122.

On the bright side, the Bulls are still scoring. Three straight games with 111 or more points and they are top 11 in the league, scoring 110.6 points per game..

Now Portland also has issues defensively. They are bottom five in the league, giving up 112.3 points per game. Even with their recent resurgence, the problems at the defensive end have largely persisted. They gave up 132 points in a loss to Dallas earlier in the week.

Four of the Blazers’ last five games have gone Over the total and this one should as well. This season, the Bulls are a perfect 7-0 to the Over, at home, when the total is 220 pts or higher.