A pair of storied Eastern Conference clubs are set to do battle on the hardwood Thursday as the Boston Celtics travel to the Windy City for a date with the Chicago Bulls in Chicago’s season opener.
- The visiting team is 1-6 SU in its last seven games in this matchup.
- The Celtics are 7-1 SU in their last eight games as a favorite of 1.5 or less.
- The total has gone UNDER in eight of the Bulls' last 11 games with a closing total of 211.0 or less.
Sportsbooks opened Chicago as 1.5-point home underdogs with a total of 210.5.
The Bulls, who missed the playoffs last year, reloaded in the offseason by bringing in Rajon Rondo, Robin Lopez and hometown hero Dwyane Wade. Paired with all-star shooting guard Jimmy Butler, this team should be exciting to watch, but there are still concerns across the roster. Outside of Butler, the Bulls’ lack of perimeter shooting could be an issue, and the recent acquisition of point guard Michael Carter-Williams won’t help in that department.
Boston held a comfortable lead over the lowly Brooklyn Nets in their first game of the season before allowing the Nets to make things interesting. The Celtics held on for a 122-117 triumph in what was the franchise’s highest-scoring Sportsbook game ever.
Newcomer Al Horford was quiet in 27 minutes of action, finishing with 11 points and five rebounds. The big man did contribute six assists and four blocked shots, however, and you can expect his production to increase as he gets comfortable in Boston’s frontcourt.
The C’s held the edge in this matchup last year, claiming two of the three meetings between the clubs. Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) and Marcus Smart (ankle) will once again sit out for Brad Stevens’ club.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Chicago Bulls opened as 3-point underdogs at online sportsbook Sportsbook, while the NBA total line was sitting around 210.5 at Sportsbook for those who prefer OVER/UNDER betting on the total amount of points scored.
Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 109-100 victory for the Bulls. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Chicago battles the Boston Celtics, currently with a 1-0 mark (0-1 ATS). The OVER/UNDER records, important for totals betting, are 39-43 for the Chicago Bulls and 1-0 for the Boston Celtics. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Chicago vs Boston injuries news.
This game pits the Chicago Bulls, currently No. 20 in the Odds Shark NBA Power Rankings, against the Boston Celtics, who rate No. 16 in the most recent survey update.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Boston got 25 points from Isaiah Thomas en route to a 122-117 victory over Brooklyn on Wednesday at TD Garden.
Chicago got 32 points from Nikola Mirotic en route to a 115-105 victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday at United Center.
- Boston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games
- Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
- Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
- Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Chicago's last 12 games
- Chicago is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games at home
- Chicago is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Boston at Charlotte, Saturday, October 29th
Chicago home to Indiana, Saturday, October 29th
