The Boston Celtics (3-0) and Chicago Bulls (1-2) will go head-to-head in an Eastern Conference matchup on Monday. The Celtics have started the season on a high note without question.
Eastern Conference Championship
Their last win came against an underwhelming Orlando Magic team, but they previously defeated playoff contenders in the Heat and 76ers. Boston plans on defending their Eastern Conference championship this season.
Chicago won their season opener against Miami but have dropped their past two games against the Wizards and Cavaliers. The Bulls are looking to bounce back on Monday against this talented Celtics squad.
Tip-off is scheduled for Monday, October 24th at 8:00 PM EST at the United Center in Chicago, IL. Let’s take a look at the Celtics vs Bulls betting analysis.
NBA Schedule
The Bulls game schedule is not getting any easier with this matchup against the Celtics. But this is one of those NBA matchups where Chicago features upset potential.
Chicago was last defeated by the Cavaliers by a final score of 128-96. The Bulls never found their footing and were ultimately embarrassed in front of their home crowd.
The Celtics have already played two road games and are still 3-0. However, the Magic didn’t make things easy for them in their last game.
Boston narrowly emerged victorious by a final score of 126-120. Nevertheless, the Celtics stats and record are strong to open the 2022 campaign. And the skys the limit, given their strong effort last year.
Let’s take a closer look at the Celtics vs Bulls betting analysis
Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Analysis
Boston Celtics
The Celtics have played a quality brand of ball to open the year. However, one has to wonder why their matchup with the lowly Magic was so competitive.
Jayson Tatum dropped 40 points in the game. He added eight rebounds and two blocks for good measure. Derrick White also scored 27 points.
Celtics Offense
Offense wasn’t the issue in their 126-point outburst. But the Celtics usual stout defense labored a bit against Orlando.
Each player in the Magic’s starting lineup scored 14 or more points. Terrence Ross led the way with 29 points, while rookie standout Paolo Banchero added 23 points off.
Orlando’s balanced attack from their starters kept this game competitive. Nevertheless, the Celtics were able to earn the victory.
The Celtics are now 2-1 against the spread on the year. They are 1-1 against the spread when playing on the road.
Celtics at the Stats
From a statistical standpoint, the Celtics are fifth in points per game, second in field goal percentage, and 10th in three-point percentage.
However, they are 29th in rebounds per game and 23rd in assists per game. The rebounds should improve. But team play was an issue at times last season.
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are undeniable stars. However, they both play well in isolation. This tends to lead to a stagnant style of play at times which hurts the offenses as whole.
The Celtics will look to improve their assist numbers moving forward. Team passing will only help this team in the long run.
Chicago Bulls
Zach LaVine was surprisingly listed on the Bulls’ NBA injury report to open the year. Fortunately for Chicago, he’s now back and ready to roll. But injuries were their downfall last year.
Despite LaVine’s presence against the Cavs, Cleveland still blew the Bulls out of the water in Chicago.
LaVine led the charge with 23 points, four assists, and two steals. Nikola Vucevic added 16 points. But the Bulls’ offense never found much of a rhythm in the defeat.
Bulls Records
There is no question that the Bulls are better than their record shows. This is a team that should heat up sooner than later. But their difficult start to the season is a bit concerning.
Chicago is now 1-1-1 against the spread in 2022. They are just 0-1 against the spread when playing at their home arena.
Bulls at the Stats
Statistically, they have been subpar in most premier categories, according to other NBA teams. The Bulls are:
- 28th in points per game
- 27th in field goal percentage
- 29th in three-point percentage
- 27th in rebounds per game
- 26th in assists per game
It should be noted that they are fourth in limiting turnovers per contest and fourth in steals per game. So it hasn’t been all bad for the Bulls.
It will be interesting to see how they fare against a red-hot Boston Celtics squad on Monday.
NBA Injury Report
Lonzo Ball remains out for the Bulls, and his timetable is unclear. Chicago was hoping to have him back for the beginning of the 2022-2023 NBA season but will have to wait for his return.
The Bulls will potentially give Zach LaVine rest days moving forward as he recovers from his knee injury. But the star looked sharp in his return to the rotation and seems to be on his way to full health.
The Celtics’ injured players consist of Robert Williams and Danilo Gallinari. Other than that duo the Celtics are healthy and playing well.
Celtics vs. Bulls Betting Preview
After reviewing the Celtics vs Bulls betting analysis, it is time to make our official betting prediction.
The Bulls have the talent to get the job done at home. But they have yet to play up to their full capability.
Meanwhile, the Celtics are taking care of business and clicking on all cylinders. As a result, the Celtics should be the easy betting pick…right?
Not necessary, as the Chicago Bulls are an intriguing pick at home for this one. Chicago could end up providing a large payout if they upset the Celtics.
Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Prediction
Although it is a risky selection, go ahead and take a chance on the Chicago Bulls in this NBA Monday evening affair.
Who to Bet On?
The best bet is to take the Bulls on the moneyline. The spread pick could payoff, but taking Chicago as a straight-up winner, given their early-season uncertainty, is the best bet.
Take the under on the listed total in this game. Chicago’s key to defeating Boston will be defense and causing turnovers. As a result, the under should be in line to hit on Monday at home.
NBA Pick: Bulls (+175)
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