15* Bulls/Warriors NBA Monday Night BAILOUT on Golden State +6.5

Chicago vs. Golden State, 12/26/2011 22:30 EDT, Score: 91 - 99

Point Spread: +6½/-103 Golden State

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Win

The Chicago Bulls are getting way too much respect from oddsmakers and the betting public in the early going this season. Because they finished with the best record in the league during the regular season last year, Chicago has big expectations. They cannot possibly live up to these expectations early.

That was evident yesterday when they were actually favored by 5 points at the Los Angeles Lakers. Chicago won that game 88-87, but they had to erase an 11-point deficit over the final four minutes to do so. This 6.5-point spread is simply too much tonight against the Golden State Warriors.

Golden State played well in the first half by taking a lead into intermission against the Clippers last night, but they were not so hot in the second half. Their two best players, Monte Ellis and Stephen Curry, went a combined 8-of-31 shooting last night. These two great shooters will not have back-to-back off nights to open the season, so don't expect another poor shooting performance from them tonight. The Bulls are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Roll with Golden State Monday.