The Boston Celtics (53-25) go head-to-head with the Chicago Bulls (27-51) at TD Garden. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, April 6, 2018, and will air on WGN Channel 9.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 201 points with Boston opening as a 10.5-point favorite.
Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics Betting Prediction
The Bulls will be looking for a similar outcome after defeating the Charlotte Hornets in their last outing, 120-114. Chicago had a turnover percentage of 6.1 (better than their season average of 11.9). Charlotte, on the other hand, did a great job of converting from the charity stripe (21-28; 75.0 percent). With 24 points on 8-for-14 shooting, Lauri Markkanen was the top scorer from either team.
In the Celtics’ last game, they were blown out by the Toronto Raptors, 96-78. Toronto’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Boston. The Raptors had a rate of 9.5 (better than their season average of 11.5), while the Celtics posted a mark of 15.5 (above their season average of 12.3). With 17 points and eight rebounds, Boston’s Greg Monroe put together a solid performance.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Boston should have a considerable edge. The Celtics defense ranks second in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.492), while the Chicago offense is ranked 29th in effective field goal percentage (0.497).
Chicago holds records of 27-51 straight up (SU) and 40-35-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Bulls’ 78 games, 42 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Boston owns records of 53-25 SU and 47-28-3 ATS. Vegas is extremely accurate when predicting totals of Celtics games, with an even split between overs and unders.
The Celtics have won two out of three against the Bulls this season, including a 16-point victory in their last matchup. Boston covered as a 7-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 194 points, which was 13.5 points below the projected point total of 207.5 points. Boston had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.3 vs. 14.6). Chicago, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (12.6 vs. 16.8). Denzel Valentine had a standout performance with 20 points and five rebounds.
Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics ATS Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Chicago is 19-19-1 ATS with 22 overs and 17 unders.
At home, Boston is 19-16-3 ATS with 20 overs and 18 unders.
Boston is 35-5 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Chicago is 8-6.
When reaching 100 points, the Celtics are 40-11 and the Bulls are 24-24.
Boston ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (21.0) while Chicago ranks 28th (25.6).
The Celtics rank ninth in three pointers allowed per game (27.4) while the Bulls rank 28th (32.2).
Boston ranks 10th in rebounds per game (44.3) while Chicago ranks 27th in rebounds allowed per game (45.7).
The Bulls rank 14th in fast break points per game (11.7) while the Celtics rank 26th (9.4).
Boston ranks 20th in blocks per game (4.5) while Chicago ranks last (3.6).
The Bulls rank third in steals allowed per game (7.0) while the Celtics rank seventh (7.1).
Boston ranks fourth in second chance points allowed per game (11.3) while Chicago ranks eighth (11.4).
The Bulls are 25th in the league with 41.8 points in the paint per game while the Celtics are 28th with 39.3 points in the paint per game.
Boston ranks 25th in points off turnovers per game (15.1) while Chicago ranks 26th (14.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Chicago is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Boston is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.0, down from 6.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 97.8 points per game (6.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 97.8 points per game (2.3 below their season average).
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