3* NBA SMASH

Chicago vs. Detroit, 01/04/2012 19:30 EDT, Score: 99 - 83

Point Spread: +6½/-107 Detroit

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Loss

3* NBA SMASH on Pistons +6.5
I believe it is asking too much of the Bulls to cover this number on the road after spending a lot of energy to erase a 19-point deficit to beat Atlanta 76-74 last night. Chicago won the game on Derrick Rose's layup with 3.7 seconds left. Such an emotionally and physically draining win sets the Bulls up for a letdown this evening. Plus, Detroit likely isn't going to get Chicago's full attention, considering the Bulls have won 11 in a row in this series.

While the Bulls have certainly had the upperhand in this series of late, it shouldn't go unmentioned that they have failed to win by more than 5 points in their last 2 in Detroit.

The Bulls are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 vs. the Eastern Conference. The Pistons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record, 9-3 ATS in their last 12 home games overall, and the home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings. Take Detroit.