The Chicago Bulls (45-34) play the second of a back-to-back Wednesday when they host the Boston Celtics (49-30). Tip-off at the United Center is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Celtics vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
Boston is 4-2 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) in the last 14 days, which includes consecutive wins over the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards.
Chicago got boat raced Tuesday 127-106 at home by the Milwaukee Bucks for a second straight loss. The Bulls are 3-4 SU and ATS in the last two weeks.
These teams are tied 1-1 SU in their season series, but Chicago has covered four straight meetings with Boston.
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Celtics at Bulls odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:07 p.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Celtics -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Bulls +230 (bet $100 to win $230)
- Against the spread: Celtics -6.5 (-120) | Bulls +6.5 (-105)
- Over/Under: 223.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Celtics at Bulls key injuries
Celtics
- F Jaylen Brown (knee) probable
- F Jayson Tatum (knee) probable
- C Al Horford (back) probable
Bulls
- PG Lonzo Ball (knee) out
- SG Alex Caruso (back) doubtful
- SF Javonte Green (quad) probable
- SG Zach LaVine (knee) probable
[tipico]
Celtics at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Celtics 112, Bulls 107
Money line
PASS because there are too many big names on the injury report and there are reasons to question both teams’ motivation in this spot.
The Bulls (+230) clinched the 6-seed and don’t have to worry about being in the play-in tourney. Perhaps Chicago wants to overtake the Raptors for fifth in the East to avoid the current 3-seed, Bucks.
Boston (-300) is way too expensive here and both Tatum and Brown have shown up on the injury report. Plus this is Boston’s first game in a back-to-back with a visit the Bucks Thursday.
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Against the spread
LEAN to the BULLS +6.5 (-105) because everyone is betting the Celtics -6.5 (-120) and typically it pays to be on the same side as the House.
With even a slight possibility of Tatum and Brown missing Wednesday, there’s no way I’m following the herd and betting Boston here.
However, I LEAN to the BULLS +6.5 (-105) because my only handicapping angles are “fade the public,” Boston’s injury report and “it’s a ‘look-ahead’ spot for the Celtics -6.5 (-120).”
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 223.5 (-110) because the Celtics-Bulls total has been lowered from a 225-point opener to 220 points and then back up to it’s current line. That’s just too much line movement considering Boston has one of the best defenses in the NBA and Chicago is 22nd in offensive rating over the past seven games.
It’s only a LEAN to the OVER 220.5 (-110) with elite scorers such as LaVine, Tatum and Brown are in the injury report.
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