Bulls Look To Break Losing Streak vs Boston
The Boston Celtics go for a third straight win and try to move up in a tight race in the Eastern Conference standings when they take on the host Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. Boston is among three teams – along with the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks – tied for second in the East 2½ games behind the first-place Miami Heat. Chicago is currently sixth in the standings and is trying to catch the Toronto Raptors, who are a game ahead of the Bulls in fifth. Both teams have something to gain with a victory in this contest, so check out our in-depth preview before you make a bet online.
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Can Celtics Put Together Another Win Streak?
The Boston Celtics looked like the best team in the Eastern Conference just a couple of weeks ago, as they won 11 of 12 games. A two-game losing streak dampened that a bit, but now Boston has won two in a row and is hoping to continue that momentum through to the postseason.
“Man, we’ve come a long way,” Celtics guard Jaylen Brown said after scoring 32 points in Boston’s 42-point win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday. “I’m feeling comfortable. I’m being aggressive, just trying to take it to the next level heading into the playoffs. Making the right reads and the right passes. Shots fell tonight, which is good.”
Brown is averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists this season but has averaged 28.9 points over his last nine contests. He’s considered probable for Wednesday night’s game due to a lingering knee injury.
Also considered probable is forward Jayson Tatum, who is leading the Celtics with 27.0 points per game this season. Tatum has garnered some NBA MVP mentions and is averaging 8.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists this season as well. He’s also been on a bit of a tear, averaging 28.9 points over his last nine games.
Point guard Marcus Smart is a very important part of the Celtics’ success, as he leads the team with 5.9 assists per game and plays great perimeter defense. Smart’s averaging 7.4 assists per game over his last nine contests and can be a streak shooter, averaging 12.0 points per game for the season.
Bulls Hoping To Be Healthy For Playoffs
The Chicago Bulls aren’t likely to have guard Lonzo Ball back for the postseason as he had a setback while rehabbing his left knee. Ball hasn’t played since mid-January, leaving Chicago without one of its better ball-handlers.
Guard Zach LaVine is also dealing with knee issues, which sidelined him from the Bulls’ loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. LaVine is considered day-to-day, and the hope is he can go in this one after getting some rest. LaVine is averaging 24.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game this season, though he’s only played in 65 games due to various ailments.
Forward DeMar DeRozan tries to carry the offensive load if LaVine is unable to go, and he’s coming off a 40-point night against the Bucks on Tuesday. DeRozan has been great in his first season with Chicago, averaging 28.0 points to rank sixth in the league while also contributing 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
Center Nikola Vucevic has been a solid contributor for much of this season, but he’s coming off just seven points and six rebounds in the loss to the Bucks. Vucevic is averaging a double-double with 18.0 points and 11.2 rebounds, ranking eighth in the league in the latter category.
Celtics vs Bulls Head-to-Head
These two teams have split the first two meetings of the season, with the Boston Celtics pulling out a two-point victory at home in the last meeting in mid-January. The Chicago Bulls earned a road win over Boston in the first matchup of the season in early November.
Boston’s win snapped a three-game winning streak in the series for Chicago, which was preceded by three straight wins for the Celtics. With Boston having more motivation and a healthier lineup, the NBA lines are giving them the edge in this one.
Celtics vs Bulls Game Information
- Game: Celtics (49-30) vs Bulls (45-34)
- Location: United Center
- Day/Time: Wednesday, April 6th. 8:00 p.m. ET
- Celtics vs Bulls Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
Celtics vs Bulls Betting Lines
Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls Prediction
The Boston Celtics want to climb as high in the standings as possible to be able to have home-court advantage in a second-round series if they get there. Even if LaVine can go in this one, we don’t see the Chicago Bulls having the firepower to stay with Boston.
When making your NBA picks, take Boston to win and cover on the road.
Pick: Boston Celtics -7½ (-110)
