The Chicago Bulls (21-41) will have their hands full against the league’s top shooting defense when they square off against the Boston Celtics (44-20) at United Center. The game can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, March 5, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 216 points with Boston set as an 8.5-point favorite.
Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls ATS Prediction
The Celtics are trying to rebound after their 123-120 loss to the Houston Rockets in their last game. Houston made good use of their 30 trips to the free throw line, making 26 of them (86.7 percent). Boston, on the other hand, was 19-21 (90.5 percent). Marcus Morris led Boston in scoring with 21 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
In the Bulls’ last game, they were victorious over the Dallas Mavericks, 108-100. Chicago’s 11.7 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Dallas, who had a rate of 14.6. The Bulls’ mark was better than their season average of 11.8, while the Mavericks’ was above their season average of 11.3. With 17 points and 12 rebounds, Lauri Markkanen put together a good game for Chicago.
Chicago might have a difficult time finding the bottom of the net as they square off against one of the league’s best defenses. Boston ranks first in defensive efficiency while the Bulls rank 29th in offensive efficiency. Moreover, second chance points could be few and far between for the Celtics. They rank 23rd in the league in offensive rebounding percentage at 21.0 percent, while the Bulls are second-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 81.1 percent).
Boston heads into the game with records of 44-20 straight up (SU) and 37-24-3 against the spread (ATS). Celtics games have gone over the O/U total 51.6 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, Chicago is 21-41 SU and 31-28-3 ATS. Similarly to Boston, a little over half of Bulls games have finished over the total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Terry Rozier (13.4 points and 3.8 assists) has been fantastic for the Celtics while Bobby Portis (19.0 points and 6.8 rebounds) has contributed greatly to the Bulls.
The two teams have split their two matchups this season. The Celtics won the most recent matchup 117-92, covering as 8-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 209 points, which was just 4.5 points above the projected point total of 204.5 points. Boston had a much better turnover percentage (4.7 vs. 13.4). Chicago, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (24.0 vs. 17.0). In the victory, Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 25 points.
Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls Free Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Boston is 21-9 ATS on the road with 15 overs, 14 unders and 1 push.
Chicago is 16-13-2 ATS at home with 17 unders and 14 overs.
Chicago is 6-5 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Boston is 28-3.
The Bulls are 19-20 when they reach the century mark, while the Celtics are 33-9.
Boston ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (20.7) while Chicago ranks 28th (25.4).
The Celtics average 31.4 three pointers per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Bulls rank 28th in three pointers allowed per game (31.5).
Boston averages 44.2 rebounds per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Chicago ranks 29th in rebounds allowed per game (45.7).
The Celtics rank 16th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Bulls rank 27th (3.8).
Chicago ranks 16th in fast break points per game (11.1) while Boston ranks 25th (9.5).
The Bulls rank 26th in points in the paint per game (41.3) while the Celtics rank 29th (39.3).
Boston ranks third in steals allowed per game (6.9) while Chicago ranks fifth (7.0).
The Bulls rank 27th in points off turnovers per game (14.6) while the Celtics rank 28th (14.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Boston is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs.
Chicago is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, up from 4.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 103.4 points per game (0.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 112.0 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
