The Chicago Bulls (15-44) will be 11.5-point underdogs at home in the United Center when they take on the Boston Celtics (37-22). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 221 points and it will air on NBC Sports Chicago at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019.
Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls Betting Odds
Both teams covered in their last outing. The Bulls (1.5-point underdogs) beat the Orlando Magic, 110-109, while the Celtics (6.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks, 98-97. The Chicago game finished 11.5 points over the projected point total of 207.5, while the Boston game went 32 points under the projected point total of 227.
The Bulls had a phenomenally low turnover percentage of 7.5 (better than their season average of 12.8), while the Magic had a free throw rate of 0.160 (below the 0.193 mark opponents have averaged against Chicago this season). Boston, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 6.3 (better than their season average of 11.4). Lauri Markkanen played well for Chicago, putting up 25 points and 11 rebounds. Boston, meanwhile, was led by Al Horford, who finished with 21 points, 17 rebounds and five assists.
In their two contests this season, the Celtics have won both. The two teams combined to put up 210 points in their most recent game, which was just under the projected point total of 214. Boston won 133-77, covering as a 7.5-point favorite. The Celtics’ 6.6 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Bulls, who had a mark of 14.7. Daniel Theis recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Vegas tends to set the total low when the Celtics are involved, as 57.6 percent of their games have gone over the O/U total. Boston heads into the game with records of 37-22 straight up (SU) and 30-28-1 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Boston, Bulls games have a tendency to finish under the O/U total (56.9 percent). Additionally, Chicago owns records of 15-44 SU and 25-31-2 ATS.
The Celtics’ Jayson Tatum has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 20 points,7.8 rebounds,1.4 steals per game. Meanwhile, Markkanen has averaged 24 points,13.0 rebounds during that same time frame for the Bulls.
The ineffective offense of Chicago (30th in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 102.1) will clash against the stingy defense of Boston (third in the league with a defensive efficiency of 104.0). The Celtics should have the edge on that end of the court.
Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls Free Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Celtics rank 20th in second chance points per game (12.9) while the Bulls rank 27th (10.2).
- Boston ranks fourth in three pointers attempted per game (35.4) while Chicago ranks 27th (26.7).
- The Celtics rank fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.7) while the Bulls rank 24th (15.1).
- Boston ranks third in steals per game (8.9) while Chicago ranks 16th (7.6).
- Chicago ranks 18th in points in the paint per game (48.0) while Boston ranks 25th (44.1).
- The Celtics rank third in blocks per game (5.7) while the Bulls rank 24th (4.4).
- The Celtics rank 16th in rebounds per game (45.2) while the Bulls rank 26th (42.1).
- Boston ranks sixth in assists per game (26.3) while Chicago ranks 27th (21.9).
- In games where they allow less than 100 points, Boston is 13-3 and Chicago is 8-5.
- The Celtics are 37-17 when they score above 100 points, while the Bulls are 11-26.
- Chicago is 11-18 ATS at home, while Boston is 11-16-1 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 14 of the Celtics’ 28 road games, while 18 of the Bulls’ 29 home games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- The Celtics are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Bulls are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Boston has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Chicago has 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Celtics have been outscored by an average of 0.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Boston has defeated opponents by an average of 6.3 points.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 116.2 points per game (12.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 114.2 points per game (2.6 above their season average).
