Bulls vs Celtics Picks & Odds: Boston Has Had Success Against Chicago

The Boston Celtics (4-3, 3-4 ATS) welcome the Chicago Bulls (5-4, 5-3-1) to TD Garden on Friday for their second meeting of the season. Can Chicago beat Boston to earn its third straight win? Find out in our Bulls vs Celtics prediction.

Bet On Bulls vs Celtics Here

Bulls vs Celtics Sportsbook Odds

Sportsbook Odds

The Celtics opened as the 6.5-point favorite at home with the total set at 221 points. The UNDER is 6-2 in the last eight meetings between the two teams while Boston has won 14 of its last 20 games against Chicago – a clear nod to the hosts for your Bulls vs Celtics prediction.

Get the best Bulls vs Celtics odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

Strong Defensive Effort Lifts Bulls Over Hornets

The Bulls cruised to a big victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, winning 106-88 on their home court. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine had quiet nights, combining for just 19 points, but the Bulls had six players finish in double digits in a strong team effort. Kelly Oubre Jr. led the Hornets with 24 as they scored a season-low 88 points.

Wednesday’s win marked Chicago’s best defensive effort of the season but the Bulls have actually been pretty strong in their half this year, ranking sixth in points against per game (108.8). That’s a noticeable improvement over their mark in 2021-22, when Chicago finished 17th in team defense (111.9).

Tampa Bay Still Suffering From Celtics Lose To Cavaliers In OT Again

The Celtics fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime for the second time in six days on Wednesday, losing 114-113. Jayson Tatum had 26 points and 12 boards, including the game-tying dunk in the final seconds of regulation, while Jaylen Brown led Boston with 30 points. Darius Garland (29 points, 12 assists) and Donovan Mitchell (25 points) did most of the damage for Cleveland as the Cavs eked out the overtime victory.

Tatum and Brown have been hot to start the year, combining for 56 points per game, but they haven’t had much help. Newly acquired Malcolm Brogdon is scoring just 13.6 points per contest, though he’s been used in a limited role compared to past seasons, playing 23 minutes per game down from 33 last year with the Indiana Pacers. Marcus Smart has also seen his scoring rate dip from 12.1 to 10.4 since last season.

Bulls Player Prop: DeRozan OVER 26 Points (+117)

Despite a quiet performance in Chicago’s last game, DeRozan is still the team’s leading scorer with 23.3 points per game. Through seven contests in October, DeRozan averaged just under 26 points while hitting 30-plus on three occasions. Look for the small forward to have a bounce-back game and hit the OVER on 26 points.

Celtics Player Prop: Brown OVER 27 Points (+118)

Brown is averaging 26 points per game this year but that number is up to nearly 29 over his last three contests thanks to two 30-plus point outings. If the Celtics shooting guard can hit the OVER on 27 points during Friday’s matchup, the payout is pretty sweet.

Bulls vs Celtics Picks & Insights

Bulls: Keys To Victory

The Bulls proved last game that they can win even when their top dogs aren’t scoring thanks to their improved defensive play. If Chicago can keep up its defensive effort and get some scoring from DeRozan and LaVine, the Bulls could easily topple the Celtics.

Celtics: Keys To Victory

The Celtics have suffered a few rough losses over the last week and a half, including two overtime defeats to the Cavs and a blowout loss to the Bulls. Boston has yet to hone in defensively this year despite ranking as the NBA’s top defensive team last season. If the Celtics can switch on in their own half, they should get their revenge on the Bulls.

NBA Computer Picks: bulls +7

Check out more of our signature NBA and college basketball computer picks, plus our favorite sportsbooks that serve basketball customers.

Join A Top-Tier NBA Betting Site Now