The Boston Celtics (43-12) travel to face off against the Chicago Bulls (26-29) on Thursday, February 22nd. This game will be played at United Center in Chicago and televised on NBCS. The Celtics are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Bulls are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Nets. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.
Celtics vs Bulls
The Celtics Are Coming Off A Win
The Celtics won vs. the Nets in their most recent game, ending with a score of 136-86. The Celtics were leading the game going into the second half 68-32.
In their last ten games, the Celtics have gone 8-2 and come into today’s game vs. the Bulls with a 43-12 record. On the road this season, the Celtics have gone 17-9 compared to their 26-3 mark at home.
Boston arrives with an ATS record of 24-28 for the season up to this point. During this season, Boston has a 22-27 record against the spread as favorites and 2-1 as underdogs.
The Bulls Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Coby White scored 32 for Chicago against the Cavaliers which was the most on the team. His field goal percentage for the game was 45.8%. DeMar DeRozan contributed 24 points, but Chicago lost the game 108-105.
Coming into today’s game vs. the Celtics, the Bulls are 26-29 overall and are looking to reach .500. When playing on the road, the Bulls have gone 11-17 compared to 15-12 at home.
Against the spread, the Bulls have covered in two straight games and have an overall ATS record of 29-25. Chicago has covered the spread in two straight road games and are 14-13 ATS on the road compared to 15-12 at home.
Celtics Offense Breakdown
The Boston offense will take the floor in today’s game with the league’s 5th ranked offense at 120.7 points per game.
When it comes to scoring, the Celtics have been one of the most potent offenses in the NBA, ranking 5th in points per game at 120.7. They have been especially good from beyond the arc, leading the league in three-point makes per game at 16.2.
Overall, the Celtics have been an efficient offense, ranking 12th in field goal percentage. However, they have struggled inside the arc, ranking just 29th in two-pointers made per game.
On the road, Boston is averaging 118.6 points per game, which is 6th in the NBA. In terms of pace, they are 17th at 98.4 possessions per game.
Bulls Offense Breakdown
The Bulls come into today’s game as the 25th ranked scoring offense at 111.8 points per game.
This season, the Bulls have been an average offensive team, ranking 25th in scoring at 111.8 points per game. At home, they have scored slightly more at 112.1 points per game.
Chicago has been a below-average three-point shooting team, making 36% of their attempts (18th). In terms of pace, they are 27th in the league.
When compared to the NBA scoring average, the Bulls have been below the average in 61.8% of their games. In terms of assists, they are 28th in the league.
Celtics Team Defense
This season, the Celtics’ defense is the 5th ranked defense in the NBA at 5th PPG. So far, they have held opposing offenses below the NBA scoring average in 70.9% of their games. Boston’s defense is currently forcing 11.9 turnovers per game, which is 6th in the league. Additionally, they enter the game ranked 2nd in blocked shots, with an average of 6.5 rejections per game.
Bulls Team Defense
At present, the Bulls’ defense is ranked 11th, allowing 112.9 points per game. On two point field goal attempts, the Bulls’ defensive unit is allowing a field goal percentage of 55.7% and allowing 36.7% from beyond the arc.
Key Players For The Celtics And Bulls
In today’s game, our projections have Jayson Tatum leading the Celtics with 26 points on 9/19 shooting from the field. This season, he is averaging 27.1 points per game along with 8.6 boards.
As for Chicago, DeMar DeRozan is projected to be the primary scorer for the Bulls. Our forecast has him finishing the game with 23, and adding 4 rebounds. For the season, he has a field goal percentage of 47.2% and is averaging 22.7 points per contest.
Celtics vs Bulls Trends
- Across the Celtics last ten road games, the team averaged 118 points per game while allowing 113. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 4-5-1, while going 7-3 straight-up.
- When looking at their past five home matchups, Chicago has an ATS record of 4-1 while averaging 116 per game. The team went 3-2 overall in these games.
- In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Bulls have a straight up record of 1-2 and an ATS mark of 2-1.
- Over the team’s last three games as the favorite, the Celtics struggled vs the spread going just 1-1-1. However, they still had a straight up mark of 3-0.
Celtics vs Bulls Prediction
We’re calling a win for the Celtics, with a final score of 152-95, and we’re taking them to cover the spread. Our recommendation is to bet on the Celtics at -7.5.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 225.5 and our model has the Celtics and Bulls finishing with a combined 247 points. Our pick is to take the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:February 22, 2024 Bulls, Celtics