Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics Preview
Where: TD Garden, Boston
When: Sunday, March 12, 2017, 3:30 PM ET
Line: Chicago Bulls (+7.5) vs. Boston Celtics (-7.5); total: 208.5 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: ABC
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Betting on the Chicago Bulls (31-34)
Chicago is having some bad days as the Bulls extended their losing skid to four games after suffering 115-94 defeat at the hands of the Rockets on Friday. They’re currently outside of the playoff picture in the eastern conference but they could still climb back in it again as soon as they begin winning again.
The Bulls will try to get back in the win column later today in a matchup against Boston. They should be very familiar of the Celtics by now, having faced them three times before this season, even owning a 2-1 SU advantage in the regular season series. The Bulls won the most recent meeting with the Celtics—a 104-103 home victory on Feb. 16. Jimmy Butler was instrumental in the win, as he scored 29 points and created seven assists across 40 minutes of action. Butler has averaged 25.3 PPG in three games thus far this season versus Boston and he should remain as the focal point of Chicago’s offense that scores just 102.1 PPG.
Dwyane Wade didn’t play in the February game against the Bulls due to a wrist injury, but he should be ready to play today. Wade scored 22 points in Chicago’s 105-99 home win against Boston on Oct. 27.
Chicago is 5-5 ATS in its last 10 road games.
Betting on the Boston Celtics (41-25)
Boston has some bad taste in its mouth to get off today against Chicago. The Celtics certainly haven’t forgotten Jimmy Butler’s two made free throws with 0.9 seconds left on a controversial foul call that gave the Bulls the win back in February.
Before the Celtics think of revenge, though, they must first device a way how to stop the Bulls from eating them alive on the glass. Chicago outrebounded the Celtics in the previous meeting, 58-35.
Isaiah Thomas scattered 29 points in 34 minutes of play in that loss to Chicago and there’s no reason not to expect the same explosive outing from the diminutive guard. Thomas has averaged 25.7 points in three games against Chicago this season while also posting 7.0 APG and 1.7 SPG.
Thomas scored 21 during Friday’s 119-99 loss to the Nuggets, whom the Celtics had a tough time slowing down defensively. They should be able to contain better Chicago’s offense, however, as the Bulls are just 24th in the league in scoring with 102.1 PPG. On the flipside, the Celtics are ninth overall with 107.6 PPG.
Boston is 3-0 SU and ATS in its last three home games against the Bulls.
Writer’s Prediction
Boston (-7.5) wins and covers.
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