The Boston Celtics (43-12) go to the Chicago Bulls (26-29) for some Thursday night action. But despite the spread being somewhat low, these are two drastically different teams. Firstly, the visitors are one of the best teams in the NBA. They enter riding a six-game winning streak. Additionally, they’ve won their last six away games. Their last road loss came in the Fiserv Forum in mid-January.
Contrastingly, the home side hopes to steal one tonight. They lost two of their last three games, but those were all on the road. However, they also lost two of their last three home stands. Therefore it’s safe to say they needed the All-Star Break and hope to switch the narrative around.
But do you see a surprise upset unfolding tonight?
Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Odds | MoneyLine |
| Boston Celtics | -7.5 -115 |
O 225 -110 |
-305 |
| Chicago Bulls | +7.5 -105 |
U 225 -110 |
+245 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Boston Celtics @ Chicago Bulls
Date And Time: February 22, 2024 @ 8:00 p.m. EST
Location: United Center in Chicago, Illinois
Key Stats
Boston Celtics (Averages)
Points: 120.7
Points Allowed: 110.6
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.5/90.3 for 48.1%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 16.2/42.7 for 38.0%
Free Throw Efficiency: 17.5/21.6 for 80.8%
Rebounds: 10.7 Offensive, 36.6 Defensive, 47.3 Combined
Assists: 26.2
Steals: 6.4
Blocks: 6.5
Turnovers: 11.9
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 41.5/92.5 for 44.8%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.2/37.8 for 35.1%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 14.4/19.0 for 75.7%
Rebounds Against: 11.2 Offensive, 32.7 Defensive, 43.9 Combined
Boston is a good team. However, the regular season isn’t their primary concern. They have plenty of talent. But the final play-off hurdle stands in the way. But this team knows how to win big games. After all, this nucleus made it to the NBA Championship. You know they will take care of business in the regular season. But taking the next step involves beating quality teams in their building. It also means avoiding letdown losses like tonight’s matchup for the Boston Celtics.
That time Jayson Tatum banked it in from the logo to win the 2019 Skills Challengepic.twitter.com/ZzFCh2048I
— CelticsNation (NBA Champions 🏆) (@CelticsTheis) February 17, 2024
Jayson Tatum is on a mission. He’s heard the narratives. He also is electing to do something about it, rather than complain. He knows the final obstacle as a team is winning a ring. Additionally, Jaylen Brown remains a great option to have as your second-best player. However, the addition of a healthy Kristaps Porzingis remains the best move from this Boston Celtics team. This team keeping fully healthy is a dangerous opponent for anyone.
Chicago Bulls (Averages)
Points: 111.8
Points Allowed: 112.9
Field Goal Efficiency: 41.7/89.2 for 46.7%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.8/32.7 for 36.1%
Free Throw Efficiency: 16.7/21.1 for 79.1%
Rebounds: 11.0 Offensive, 32.4 Defensive, 43.5 Combined
Assists: 24.3
Steals: 7.7
Blocks: 5.2
Turnovers: 11.8
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.6/86.5 for 47.0%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 14.3/39.1 for 36.6%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.4/22.2 for 78.2%
Rebounds Against: 10.1 Offensive, 33.5 Defensive, 43.6 Combined
Chicago remains closer to a rebuild than competing in the post-season. Although, they play in the weaker Eastern Conference, a playoff birth is doable. They currently sit in ninth. They also have a four-and-a-half cushion between them and the eleventh-placed team. However, this route likely includes a play-in tournament run. Even if they manage to make the first round of the NBA playoffs, you don’t like their chances to go far. Especially when you consider they are 17 games behind the Boston Celtics, they would be outclassed. But an upset win keeps their chances of maintaining their playoff hopes. Especially when you consider that the teams below them are not going to win many games to lessen the gap for themselves.
For the tie!@NBCSChicago | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/8Aioz1FfeA
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 15, 2024
Coby White remains the best bright spot on this roster. He averages 19.6 points per game on 39.7% shooting from range. While his teammates may have more talent, they are either older or more injury-prone. However, it helps to learn from a veteran like DeMar DeRozan. Although he’s creeping up in age, he still is a solid contributor, night in and night out. But against the Boston Celtics, this roster will be outmatched. Realistically, this team needs to identify the pieces they like and move off some of the older talent if they are going to legitimately compete in the NBA.
Game Prediction
This is not a game to overthink. Despite playing on the road, the oddsmakers have this one wrong. Sure, it’s possible to see anything happening on any given night. But that’s not the most likely scenario today. Additionally, this Boston Celtics team travels well. While the Bulls may put up a stronger-than-expected fight, you can expect this game to be a formality by the middle of the fourth at the latest.
Additionally, Tatum plays with an agenda. He knows what the critics are saying and he’s electing to respond. He’s more focused than ever and will make sure his teammates are as well. While they’ll lose an occasional game that they shouldn’t, overall you have to like their chances, especially against weaker competition. Therefore I am going with the Boston Celtics to cover the spread tonight. However, the point total is a stay away from me tonight.
Final Pick
Boston Celtics -7.5
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
