Chicago Bulls Small Favorite (-1 to -3) Betting Trend

The Bulls' struggles as small favorites stem from their inconsistent identity and tendency to play down to competition. Chicago has historically been a team caught between rebuilding and competing, creating a psychological dynamic where they often lack the killer instinct needed to put away supposedly inferior opponents. When oddsmakers set them as slight favorites, it typically reflects matchups where the Bulls should win based on talent alone, but their execution frequently falls short. This franchise has dealt with roster turnover and coaching changes that have prevented the development of a consistent winning culture. Small favorite situations often arise in games where Chicago faces teams with less talent but more cohesion or desperation. The Bulls' young core has shown a pattern of inconsistent effort levels, particularly in games they're expected to win, leading to flat performances against motivated underdogs. The recent decline suggests this trend is worsening as the current roster construction remains flawed. Chicago's inability to close games effectively becomes magnified when they're laying points, as opponents stay competitive longer than the spread suggests they should. This trend matters most when the Bulls face sub-.500 teams at home, where expectations are highest and their historical tendency to disappoint becomes most pronounced.