The Boston Celtics (7-6) square off against the Chicago Bulls (4-10) at TD Garden. The game will air on NBC Sports Chicago at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.
Boston opened as a 12-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 211 points.
Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics ATS Prediction
The Bulls are hoping for a better outcome after not being able to cover as 2.5-point underdogs in their 103-98 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in their last game. The game’s total points (201) came in under the O/U total of 215.5. Dallas’ 0.525 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Chicago, who had a rate of 0.438. The Mavericks’ mark was below their season average of 0.528, while the Bulls’ was below their season average of 0.515. Zach LaVine was the game’s high scorer with 26 points on 8-for-23 shooting.
In the Celtics’ last game, they fell to the Portland Trail Blazers, 100-94. They were not able to cover as 2-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (194) were well under the O/U total of 214. Portland’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Boston. The Trail Blazers had a rate of 32.6 (above their season average of 26.5), while the Celtics posted a mark of 21.6. With 27 points on 9-for-18 shooting, Jayson Tatum was the game’s high scorer.
After the Celtics won three out of four games against the Bulls last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Boston won 111-104. Boston’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Chicago. The Celtics had a rate of 0.642 while the Bulls posted a mark of 0.547.
Although Chicago has difficulty winning games straight up (4-10 SU), they have a solid 8-6 record against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to place the total high when the Bulls are involved, as nine of their 14 games have ended under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Boston owns records of 7-6 SU and 4-9 ATS. Games including the Celtics also have a slight tendency to finish under the projected point total (53.8 percent).
Wendell Carter Jr. has averaged 13.6 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks over the last five games for Chicago.
Boston could put on a ball-control clinic in this contest. Boston ranks third in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.7 percent), while Chicago forces the ninth-fewest turnovers (13.1 percent). Moreover, the 28th-ranked offense of the Bulls (offensive efficiency of 102.3) will face off against the top-ranked defense of the Celtics (defensive efficiency of 100.6).
Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Chicago is 3-3 ATS with 3 overs and 3 unders.
At home, Boston is 2-2 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders.
In contests where they allow under 100 points, Boston is 3-1 and Chicago is 2-1.
The Celtics are 7-4 when they score more than 100 points, while the Bulls are 2-7.
Boston ranks first in blocks allowed per game (3.4) while Chicago ranks 26th (6.9).
The Celtics rank third in three pointers attempted per game (37.6) while the Bulls rank 24th in three pointers allowed per game (34.2).
Boston ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.2) while Chicago ranks 19th (7.9).
The Celtics average 46.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. The Bulls rank 27th in rebounds allowed per game (49.3).
Boston ranks first in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.3) while Chicago ranks 17th (17.5).
The Bulls rank 16th in points in the paint per game (46.0) while the Celtics rank 27th (36.8).
Boston ranks fourth in fast break points allowed per game (10.8) while Chicago ranks 11th (12.6).
The Celtics rank 24th in second chance points per game (11.2) while the Bulls rank 27th (9.6).
Boston ranks 15th in assists per game (23.6) while Chicago ranks 18th in assists allowed per game (23.9).
Bettings Trends:
In its last five outings, Chicago is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Boston is 0-5 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.0, down from 6.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 106.6 points per game (1.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.8 points per game (6.3 above their season average).
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