Celtics vs Bulls Prediction
The Celtics have the ability to blow the doors off the Bulls, a team that hasn’t played a lick of defense this season. However, the Celtics have had issues covering massive numbers over the years. We just saw it on Tuesday against the Nets, where they needed overtime to win as a 13.5-point favorite. The Celtics have a habit of playing with their food or going through offensive droughts where the endless threes don’t fall.
Throw in the NBA Cup, the young Bulls should be excited to show some of their potential on the big stage. It’s not my favorite game on Friday’s NBA card, but I’m grabbing the points with the Bulls if forced to pick.
Chicago Bulls Betting Preview
The Chicago Bulls lost to the Knicks and Celtics, and they play the 76ers next. The Bulls have lost 15 of their last 19 games.
The Chicago Bulls are averaging 114 points on 42.1 percent shooting and allowing 130.2 points on 47.3 percent shooting. Norman Powell is averaging 21.6 points and 2.8 rebounds, while Caleb Wilson is averaging 20.8 points and 2.2 assists. Matas Buzelis is the third double-digit scorer, and Jalen Smith is grabbing 8.2 rebounds. The Chicago Bulls are shooting 27.6 percent from beyond the arc and 78.6 percent from the free-throw line. The Chicago Bulls are allowing 40.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.8 rebounds per game.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
The Boston Celtics beat the Nets and Bulls, and they play the Magic next. The Celtics have won 16 of their last 20 games.
The Boston Celtics are averaging 119.8 points on 46.5 percent shooting and allowing 111.8 points on 44.1 percent shooting. Jayson Tatum is averaging 28 points and 6.3 rebounds, while Paul George is averaging 22.3 points and 6 rebounds. Payton Pritchard is the third double-digit scorer, and Derrick White is grabbing 4 rebounds. The Boston Celtics are shooting 38.6 percent from beyond the arc and 76 percent from the free-throw line. The Boston Celtics are allowing 34.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.3 rebounds per game.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The Bulls have lost each of their last 11 games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Celtics have won each of their last 15 Friday games.
- The Bulls have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 10 road games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Celtics have covered the spread in eight of their last nine home games when playing with a rest advantage.
Why the Chicago Bulls will win
- The Celtics have lost each of their last three games as favorites after coming off overtime.
- The road team has won three of the Bulls’ last four games.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five night games after coming off overtime.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in three of the Bulls’ last four games.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of the Celtics’ last nine home games against Central Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of the Bulls’ last eight night games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- Jayson Tatum is one of only two players in the league to be leading his team in points, rebounds, and assists this season.
- Paul George ranks T2nd in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for steals per game (2.3) this season.
Chicago Bulls Player Facts
- Norman Powell is one of only two players in the league to have recorded 4+ steals in consecutive games this season.
- Josh Giddey ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for assists per 36 minutes (10.8) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for three-point field goals made per game this season (16.0).
- The Celtics rank 30th in the league for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (43.5).
- The Bulls rank 30th in the league for opponent points per game this season (130.2).
- The Bulls rank 30th in the league for three-point percentage this season (27.6%).