5* Bulls/Hornets NBA Blue Chip Top Play:

Chicago vs. New Orleans, 02/19/2013 20:00 EDT, Score: 96 - 87

Point Spread: -1½/-105 Chicago

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Win

5* Bulls/Hornets NBA Blue Chip Top Play: Bulls -1.5

The Bulls went into the All-Star break having lost four of their last five games, but a lot of that was due to Chicago being forced to play 3rd-string point guard Nate Robinson big minutes. While Chicago is still waiting on the return of Derrick Rose, they are expected to get back Kirk Hinrich for tonight's game against the Hornets. Hinrich is a big reason why Chicago was able to stay in contention without their former MVP and I look for him to give this team a much-needed spark.

The Bulls have done some serious damage on the road this year, as they are 15-10 on the road compared to just 15-12 at home. I look for the Bulls to come out with a lot of intensity on the defensive side of the ball and potentially win this game by double-digits.

Chicago is 36-19 ATS in games where they are anywhere from +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons. Chicago is also 11-3 ATS in their last 14 road games when the total is between 180-189.5. The Hornets on the other hand are just 4-13 ATS in their last 17 home games vs teams from the Eastern Conference. BET THE BULLS!