Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Player Prop Picks 12-19-24 Picks

Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Player Prop Picks 12-19-24

The Boston Celtics will face the Chicago Bulls on December 19th, 2024, at TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics enter the game on a four-game winning streak, most recently defeating the Washington Wizards 112-98. Jayson Tatum leads the team with 28.2 points per game, while Jaylen Brown adds 25.8 points per game, and Kristaps Porziņģis and Derrick White contribute significantly to the offense. Boston’s defense is also a key strength, ranking seventh in points allowed per game (109.8) and excelling in field goal and three-point defense.

The Bulls, on the other hand, have been inconsistent, recently defeating the Toronto Raptors 122-121 but enduring a three-game losing streak before that. Zach LaVine leads the Bulls with 25.1 points per game, while DeMar DeRozan contributes 22.3 points per game, and Nikola Vucević provides a strong presence with 11.8 rebounds per game. However, Chicago’s defense has struggled, allowing 113.8 points per game, which could be a significant vulnerability against Boston’s high-powered offense. Given the disparity in recent form, team strengths, and the Celtics’ defensive prowess, Boston is expected to win this matchup comfortably.

Jayson Tatum Over 27.5 Points

Jayson Tatum has been a standout performer for the Boston Celtics this season. He’s averaging 28.2 points per game, ranking 6th in the league. His scoring efficiency includes a field goal percentage of 45.3%, placing him 80th among qualified players. Tatum’s three-point shooting stands at 35.9%, with an average of 3.8 made three-pointers per game on 10.5 attempts. At the free-throw line, he maintains an 80.2% success rate, averaging 5.9 made free throws on 7.4 attempts per game.

Tatum’s last big game was on November 10th, against the Bucks where he recorded 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a victory. I think we could see a similar stat line in this one. The Bulls are giving up 121.9 points per game to opposing teams which is the second most in the league. They also play at a very fast pace which factors into this pick. This is a dream matchup for Jayson Tatum.

Nikola Vucevic Over 9.5 Rebounds

Nikola Vucevic has been a consistent and reliable rebounder for the Chicago Bulls during this season. He’s averaging 9.6 rebounds per game, ranking 16th in the league. His rebounding performance includes 7.7 defensive rebounds and 2.0 offensive rebounds per game. Notably, on November 10, 2024, Vucevic recorded a season-high 22 rebounds in a game against the New York Knicks. 

Vucevic has failed to get over 10 rebounds in his last four games but I like him to bounce back in this spot. These teams played back on November 19th and in that game, Vucevic had 11 rebounds. The Celtics do a lot of things great but they’ve struggled on the glass this season.  They’re giving up 53.2 rebounds per game to opposing teams which is well above the league average. If the Bulls want to stay in this game they’ll need to give Vucevic a lot of minutes which will result in him filling up the stat sheet.

Jrue Holiday Over 4.5 Assists

Jrue Holiday has been a key playmaker for the Boston Celtics this season. He’s averaging 4.0 assists per game, ranking 62nd in the league. In addition to his assist numbers, Holiday contributes 12.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Notably, on November 6th, 2024, he recorded a season-high 8 assists in a game against the Golden State Warriors.

We saw Jrue Holiday only record one assist in his last game against the Washington Wizards which you would expect more from the point guard of this high-powered Celtics offense. This is a great spot to buy low on Holiday’s assists as he’s playing this Bulls team that struggles to contain playmakers. The Bulls are giving up 29.2 assists per game to opposing teams which is the second most in the league. This is a great spot for Holiday to get back on track and fill up the assist column.