Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 23/03/2024, 07:30  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 23/03/2024 at 12:00 in NBA Prediction

The Chicago Bulls will play host to the Boston Celtics at the United Center in the NBA on Saturday night. The hosts are 34-36 and ninth in the Eastern Conference, while the visitors are 56-14 and lead the conference standings. 

The Boston Celtics have been in exceptional form, winning 19 of their last 21 games overall, and they are now gunning for a ninth consecutive victory after a commanding 129-102 road win against the Pistons. Jaylen Brown led the team with an impressive 33 points on 13 of 19 shooting, while Payton Pritchard contributed 20 points along with nine assists. Boston currently averages 121 points per game, ranking 2nd in the league, scoring 6-3 more points than the Bulls typically concede. The Celtics perform better offensively at home, averaging 123.3 points per game, compared to 118.9 points per game on the road. Defensively, Boston allows 109.5 points per game, ranking 6th in the league. However, the Celtics have several players listed as doubtful for the upcoming game, including Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Jayson Tatum.

The Chicago Bulls have maintained decent form recently, winning three of their last five games overall, but they will aim to bounce back here after a disappointing 127-117 road loss to the Rockets on Thursday. Ayo Dosunmu led the team with an impressive 35 points on 13 of 18 shooting, while DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic each contributed 16 points. Chicago ranks 22nd in the NBA in points scored, averaging 112.1 points per game, and 14th in points allowed, conceding 113.7 points per game. Interestingly, they score fewer points at home (111.5 per game) than on the road (112.7). Their shooting percentages stand at 46.6% overall and 35.8% from 3-point territory, ranking 20th and 19th, respectively. The Bulls suffered a loss to their upcoming opponent last month and are clear underdogs in this matchup.