The Chicago Bulls aren’t just trying to end a four-game losing streak — they’re fighting to stay relevant in the brutal Western Conference. On Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST, they’ll step into the roaring cauldron of the Delta Center in Salt Lake City to face the struggling Utah Jazz, who’ve lost six of their last seven. The Bulls, at 6-5, are 4.5-point favorites, but this isn’t just about the line. It’s about momentum, morale, and whether Chicago can finally turn around a season that’s slipping through its fingers.
Why This Game Matters More Than the Odds Suggest
Let’s be clear: the Chicago Bulls are not a top-tier team. But they’re not dead yet. Their 118.6 points per game rank in the top half of the league, and they’ve covered the spread in seven of their 12 games this season. The Utah Jazz, meanwhile, are 4-8 and have lost four of their last five. Their defense? A sieve — they give up 121.8 points per game, more than the Bulls score. That’s not a coincidence. It’s a matchup waiting to explode.
Here’s the twist: the Bulls have been terrible as favorites this season. They’ve only won two of three games where they’ve been favored by 4.5 points or more. And yet, BetMGM’s model gives them a 59.5% chance to win and a 57.3% chance to cover. Why? Because they’ve been hot on the moneyline — winning 21 of their last 32 outright. That’s not luck. That’s consistency under pressure.
The Numbers Behind the Bet
The over/under is set at 244.5 points — a high number, but not unreasonable. The Bulls and Jazz have combined to score an average of 240.7 points per game this season. That’s 3.8 points below the line. But here’s where it gets interesting: the Jazz have gone over in five of their last six home games. Meanwhile, the Bulls have hit the over in seven of their last 12. That’s a recipe for fireworks.
Public betting is lopsided — 66% of bets are on the Bulls to cover, and 34% of the money is on them too. That’s a sign of smart money following the trend, not just hype. Action Network’s data shows the Bulls have covered the second-half spread in 34 of their last 48 games. That’s not a fluke. That’s a team that doesn’t fold when the pressure mounts.
And the Jazz? They’re 2-3 against the spread in their last five games. Their road record ATS? 2-4. They’re not just losing — they’re losing in ugly, predictable ways. Their offense is stagnant. Their defense is porous. And when you combine that with the Bulls’ offensive firepower, you get a game that could easily go over the total.
Delta Center: A House of Pain for Visitors
The Delta Center isn’t just a building. It’s a psychological barrier. Opened in 1991, it’s been the Jazz’s fortress for over three decades. The crowd is loud, the energy is thick, and visiting teams often look rattled by the third quarter. The Bulls haven’t won here since 2022. But this isn’t the same Jazz team. They’re young, unproven, and missing the kind of veteran leadership that used to make this arena a nightmare.
And the Bulls? They’ve got a point guard in Lonzo Ball who thrives in hostile environments. They’ve got DeMar DeRozan, a veteran who doesn’t flinch in the fourth quarter. And they’ve got something else — desperation. Four straight losses. A playoff spot slipping away. They’re not just playing for pride. They’re playing to stay alive.
What the Experts Are Saying
FOX Sports’ prediction model forecasts a 122-116 Bulls win and a cover of the 4.5-point spread. But here’s the kicker — they’re also picking the UNDER. That’s a rare alignment. Why? Because while both teams score, they also turn the ball over. The Bulls average 15.2 turnovers per game. The Jazz? 16.1. That’s 31.3 possessions lost. In a game with a 244.5-point total, that’s enough to keep the scoring down.
And then there’s this: the Jazz are 1-4 in their last five games. The Bulls are 2-3 in their last five. That’s a coin flip. But the Bulls have more talent. More experience. More reason to win.
What’s Next?
If the Bulls win and cover, they’ll be back in the playoff conversation. A victory here could spark a six-game winning streak. But if they lose? The pressure mounts. Their next game is at home against the Warriors — a team they’re expected to beat. This isn’t just a game. It’s a turning point.
For the Jazz? Another loss means they’re officially out of contention. They’ll start looking at draft picks and development. But if they pull off the upset? Suddenly, they’re not just a rebuilding team — they’re a dangerous one.
Historical Context: Bulls vs. Jazz, Past Meetings
The last two matchups between these teams ended in a 1-1 tie, with each covering the spread. In 2024, the Bulls won 118-112 in Chicago. In 2023, the Jazz pulled off a 126-122 overtime win in Salt Lake City. That’s the pattern: close, physical, high-scoring. This game will follow suit.
And don’t forget: the Jazz have lost 10 of their last 11 games against teams with a winning record. The Bulls? They’ve beaten three teams above .500 this season. This isn’t just a game. It’s a test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the over/under set so high if both teams struggle defensively?
The 244.5-point total reflects offensive firepower, not defensive strength. The Bulls average 118.6 points per game, while the Jazz give up 121.8 — the highest in the league. Combined with Utah’s tendency to go over in five of their last six home games, the total isn’t inflated — it’s realistic. But turnovers and late-game fatigue could keep it under.
How has the Chicago Bulls’ performance changed since their four-game losing streak began?
Since their streak started, the Bulls have averaged just 109.2 points per game — nearly 10 points below their season average. Their three-point shooting has dropped to 31.8%, and they’ve committed 17.5 turnovers per game. They’re forcing shots, not executing. This game is a chance to reset their rhythm before a critical stretch of home games.
What’s the significance of BetMGM’s 57.3% confidence in the Bulls covering the spread?
That 57.3% confidence is based on simulations that factor in player health, recent matchups, and second-half performance trends. The Bulls have covered the second-half spread in 34 of their last 48 games — a 71% success rate. That’s not random. It means they’re more likely to outscore opponents in the final 12 minutes, which is exactly when spreads are decided.
Why do public betting percentages favor the Bulls so heavily?
The 66% of bets on the Bulls reflect the natural bias toward the favorite — especially one with a winning record. But the 34% of money on Chicago suggests sharp bettors are also backing them. That’s a sign of value. When public bets and smart money align, it often signals a solid pick — even if the team is on a skid.
Could the Utah Jazz pull off an upset?
Yes — but only if they play with urgency. The Jazz are 3-10 as underdogs this season, but they’ve won three of those games by 10+ points. If Lauri Markkanen scores 40+ again and the bench outplays Chicago’s reserves, they can steal it. But they need a miracle. The Bulls are too consistent, and the Jazz are too inconsistent.
What’s the impact of the game being played late Sunday night?
The 9:00 PM EST start means a 7:00 PM local time tip-off in Salt Lake City. That’s ideal for the Jazz — they’re used to late games. But for the Bulls, it’s a travel challenge. They flew in Friday night. Fatigue could hurt their defense in the fourth quarter. That’s why the second-half spread and moneyline are critical indicators.