The Boston Celtics (24-8) visit the Windy City to play the Chicago Bulls (13-22) at United Center for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze Celtics-Bulls odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
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Celtics at Bulls: Key injuries
Celtics
- C Enes Kanter (face) questionable
- SG Jaylen Brown (illness) questionable
- C Robert Williams III (hip) out
- PG Kemba Walker (flu) questionable
- C Vincent Poirier (finger) out
Bulls
- C Wendell Carter (ankle) probable
- PG Ryan Arcidiacono (elbow) probable
- SF Otto Porter Jr. (foot) out
- SG Zach LaVine (ankle) probable
- SG Max Strus (knee) out
Celtics at Bulls: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 12 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Celtics 105, Bulls 97
Moneyline (ML)
We have a rare opportunity to back a moneyline favorite in a regular-season NBA game! Boston has won and covered the spread in eight of its last 10 meetings, including six double-digit victories. The Celtics also crush teams below .500 (17-2 record).
Take the CELTICS (-121) because Boston has dominated Chicago of late.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
Boston has the second-best against the spread record in the NBA (19-11-2), and are even stronger ATS on the road (10-5-1). On the other side, the Bulls really struggle as home favorites (3-7 record) with a minus-12.1 margin of victory and they don’t have the talent on the roster to overcome the loss of their defensive anchor, in Carter, should he miss Saturday’s game.
Bet CELTICS (-2.5, +105).
Over/Under (O/U)
Bet UNDER 207.5 (+105).
Expect the Celtics defense to stymie the Bulls offense. Boston is ranked first in opponents’ points per game (103.7) and third in defensive rating (104.2), while the Bulls are ranked 24th in PPG (105.7) and 29th in offensive rating (104.5). Also, the Bulls can play some defense—ranked sixth in defensive rating (105.6), fourth in opponents’ 3-point percentage (.333) and their opponents have the highest turnover percentage in the NBA (16.1%).
Furthermore, monitor the injury report because if Walker and Kanter don’t suit up there may be a lull in the Celtics offense. The combined Over/Under record of these teams is 29-38. Don’t be scared of the low total, be encouraged.
New to sports betting? Bet $100 on the Under to earn a profit of $105.
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