NBA Playoff Predictions 2012: Chicago Bulls Are Live Underdogs in Game 3

The Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers have each won a game in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference series heading into Friday night's Game 3 at the Wells Fargo Center, with the opening tip scheduled for 8:00 ET on ESPN2.

Las Vegas oddsmakers have established the Bulls as two-point road underdogs, while the total has moved up a point to settle in at 179.5.

Chicago is definitely dangerous in this spot after suffering a 109-92 loss as 6.5-point home favorites in Game 2, considering the team's 13-0 straight-up record following an upset loss during the 2011-12 campaign.

Sports bettors will find that the Bulls are also 38-14-2 against the spread (ATS) following a loss, while the "under" is 7-3 in their last 10 games following a double-digit loss at the United Center.

Philadelphia is just 2-3 this year after an upset win as an underdog. They managed to outscore Chicago by a 62-37 margin in the second half in Tuesday's victory. The 76ers must continue to play with confidence despite their 2-8 record in their last 10 postseason games.

It's going to be hard to lay the points in this spot, with the 76ers being 0-5 ATS in their last five games as a home favorite of 0.5 to 4.5 points. 

I recommend backing the Bulls in the first half, as they've outscored opponents by a substantial 155-117 margin in the opening 24 minutes in their last three games following a home loss.

Pick: Chicago Bulls +1 First Half

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