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The Chicago Bulls host the Boston Celtics in a game that has major playoff implications! It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Celtics-Bulls prediction and pick.
The Celtics are the hottest team in the NBA. Since the start of 2022, they have the best record in the NBA and surged up the Eastern Conference standings. Boston is (49-30) on the year and have a chance for 50 wins if they win one of their final three games. Right now, the Celtics control the 2-seed in the East but are tied record-wise with the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers. Nobody has any idea how the top-4 seeds in the East will look. The Miami Heat pretty much locked up the 1-seed and will with one more win.
The Bulls (45-34) are slowing down a bit after a strong start to the season. They are currently the 6-sed in the East. The Bulls were one of the hottest teams in the NBA until the injuries started to surface. Zach Lavine is healthy but they lost Lonzo Ball for the season with a left knee injury. It will take some extra efforts from Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Alex Caruso to fill those shoes. Even though the Bulls are winning consistently right now, they pose a major threat to anyone in the East.
Here are the Celtics-Bulls NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Celtics-Bulls Odds
Boston Celtics: -7 (-110)
Chicago Bulls: +7 (-110)
Over: 221.5 (-110)
Under: 221.5 (-110)
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Why The Celtics Could Cover The Spread
The Celtics are finding ways to win games but they don't have the best record against the spread this season. They are just (31-31-2) ATS whereas the Bulls are (36-26-1). I wonder how much of that will factor in tonight because both teams are trending in opposite directions. It wasn't that long ago when the Celtics were fighting for a play-in spot and the Bulls were running the East. Now, that narrative has flipped and the Celtics look to be the best team in the East right now.
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The “Jays” are taking this team to new heights. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are turning into one of the best duos in the Association. They both average north of 23 points per game on the season as Tatum averages 27 and Brown 23.7. Even though they can score with ease right now, that isn't the reason why they are dominant. It's the defensive side of the floor that propels them over anyone else in the league. The Celtics own the No. 1 defense in the entire NBA. They allow just 104.3 points per game with is the fewest by less than a point. The Dallas Mavericks are second allowing 104.8.
One name that stands out on that side of the floor? Marcus Smart. That defensive menace can shut down any position and has done so all season long. Whether he's stealing passes, taking charges, or forcing the opponent into horrible shot selections, Smart is running the show defensively. He should be a top-3 Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Smart and the Jays will be a major part of the Celtics' success in the playoffs.
Why The Bulls Could Cover The Spread
The Bulls are capable of covering this spread but they will have to step up offensively. The Celtics' defense usually controls the game, and if you have seen any Celtics games lately, you would agree. DeMar DeRozan is coming off a 40-point game but they are on a back-to-back. Those are always tough on the players and the Celtics have had two full days off to rest. With that said, expect the Celtics' defense to once again be in control at some point in this matchup.
Even though DeRozan is no longer in the MVP conversation, the season he had was phenomenal. He took the Bulls to new heights this season and they were running the East for a few weeks during the season. The slashing forward is averaging 28.2 points per game on the season and 5.3 rebounds and five assists to go along with it. Lavine is right behind him averaging 24.7 points per game. That duo is very elite just as the Jays are for Boston. It's going to be exciting to see how they face off tonight.
Chicago must defend the Jays as well as they can and make sure Smart doesn't control the game on defense. If they can do that, the Bulls will definitely have a chance to cover this 7-point spread.
Final Celtics-Bulls Prediction & Pick
This is going to be a fun battle to watch tonight. Both sides are trying to build momentum for the playoffs. I think the Celtics will find a way to win this game and they likely will win by more than seven. The Bulls are on a back-to-back and just lost 127-106 to the Milwaukee Bucks. Take the Celtics as all signs are leading toward them tonight.
Final Celtics-Bulls Prediction & Pick: Celtics -7 (-110)
