Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics Prediction, NBA Odds
The Chicago Bulls try to maintain their tenuous grasp on first place in the NBA Eastern Conference standings when they visit the Boston Celtics on Saturday night. The Bulls get set to play their third game in four nights riding a two-game straight up losing streak after dropping a lopsided 138-96 decision to the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. The Celtics return home on the heels of a 111-99 loss in Philadelphia on Friday night that put the brakes on a season-high three-game straight up win streak.
The point spread has moved from Boston -5 to -5.5 since the open. However, it is Chicago that is attracting 73 per cent of the betting action. The total has dipped dramatically since opening at 219.5, and now sits at 216.5.
Bulls vs. Celtics NBA Betting Odds
Saturday night’s matchup at TD Garden marks the second of three scheduled meetings between these teams this season. The Bulls romped to a decisive 128-114 win in Boston on Nov. 1. They have won and covered in three straight against the Celtics, all as betting underdogs. Chicago’s recent success marks a breakthrough after falling to defeat in 12 of previous 14 meetings with the Celtics, a run that featured five straight losses at TD Garden. Recent clashes between these clubs have tended towards low scoring, with the UNDER enjoying a 4-1 run. While the Bulls have emerged as one of the surprise stories of the season, they have consistently disappointed sports bettors. The Bulls have covered just twice in their past eight overall, and have gone 1-5 against the spread in six road outings. The Celtics have not fared much better. While they are enjoying a respectable 5-3 straight up run, they have failed to cover in seven of 10, and are 2-7 against the spread in their past nine as home chalk.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have struggled to contain opposing shooters during their current two-game slide. The team has surrendered 138 points in each of their two recent defeats, slamming the door on an impressive 10-1 straight up run. Already struggling through a rash of injuries, the Bulls must now make do without Zach Lavine, who will miss Saturday’s contest after suffering a knee injury in Friday’s loss to the Warriors. That adds to the pressure on veteran DeMar DeRozan, who leads the club with 25.7 points per game, but who has averaged just 18 points per game during the team’s current slide.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics showed character in their bid to rebound following a slow start in Friday’s loss to the 76ers. Indeed, slow starts have emerged as a regular concern, with Boston averaging just 46.3 points before the half over their past four, and failing to reach 20 points in the second quarter in two of their past three. Maintaining consistency has not been a problem for Jaylen Brown, who has led the team in scoring in 11 of the past 13 games. Brown has also averaged 3.8 points per game over his past eight home appearances while recording three double-doubles and one triple-double over that stretch.
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