Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Point Spread Picks

The Bulls have lost five in a row and are not playing any defense during this losing streak, giving up an average of 129.4 points per game. That would rank last in the NBA by more than three points if it were for the season. Highly doubtful the Bulls show any defensive intensity in their final game before the All-Star break. Chicago is much better offensively, ranking 11th in scoring, averaging 117 points a game. The Bulls also rank eighth in 3-point shooting percentage. Chicago will look to push the pace against the Celtics. The Bulls play at the fifth-fastest tempo. The Celtics play at a much slower pace, but will be looking to produce a high team total after an embarrassing, 111-89, nationally televised home loss to the Knicks this past Sunday. The Celtics will have fresh legs and a deep bench. Boston ranks in the top 12 in 3-point shooting and free throw percentage. Take the OVER.  

On paper, the Bulls look pretty good with four victories in their last five games. However, three of those wins came against the 12-31 Nets, 15-30 Jazz, and the Clippers, who didn't have Kawhi Leonard. No,w Chicago draws the Celtics. Boston has won eight of the past 10 in the series, including three straight overall and four in a row at the United Center in Chicago. The Celtics have also won four of their last five games. The Bulls opened as favorites, being at home and being the more rested team. Boston got past the Nets, 130-126 in double overtime, last night. The Celtics can overcome their fatigue because they have a deep rotation. They also rested star guard Derrick White against the Nets. Chicago won't have Tre Jones, who notched a pair of points-assists double-doubles in the past three games, due to a left hamstring strain. The Celtics rank third in scoring defense and defensive field goal percentage. The UNDER has cashed in seven of their last 10 games. Look for the Celtics to slow down the Bulls. Take the Celtics and the UNDER.

Chicago has won seven of 10, and it has covered the number five straight road games and 10 of 12 against the Atlantic Division. Boston is 15-38-2 ATS in its past 55 games after winning by more than 10 points in its previous game. The Bulls are 5-0 OVER their past five games against teams with .600 winning percentages and 11-1 OVER versus opponents with .600 home winning percentages. Chicago has gone OVER seven of eight Monday games. This is a tough scheduling spot for the Celtics, who are coming off a five-game road trip over nine days. They have gone OVER four in a row following a journey of at least seven days. Boston has won seven of eight, but the last six were against teams that were under .500. Chicago has won seven of 16 away games outright. Take the Bulls on the moneyline and the OVER.

Combine the Sun Devils (-400) and the Celtics (-550) into a 2-team parlay at -210 odds.