Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics Betting Preview/Prop Picks
04 November 2022
Time: 7:30 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 114.142; Boston 125.654
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 11 ½; 225
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 7 ½; 222
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-7 ½); Over
With a 5-4 record this season and a 2-2 road record, the Chicago Bulls are sixth in the Eastern Conference. Tonight, they'll face another Eastern Conference team, the Boston Celtics.
The Bulls are coming off a 106-88 win over the Charlotte Hornets just a few days ago. The Bulls have a 2-2 record in their last four games, winning two of them back-to-back.
The Boston Celtics actually come into this game with a worse record than the Bulls. They're 4-3 this season but have a 2-1 record at home. They rank fifth in the Eastern Conference and are 7.5-point favorites in this game.
Strangely enough, the Celtics somehow lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-113 in overtime. This marked their third loss in their last four games.
Chicago Bulls: LaVine and DeRozan will lead the team tonight
For the Chicago Bulls to win tonight, they'll need a big game from their two stars. At the moment, DeMar DeRozan leads the team with 23.3 points per game.
Nikola Vucevic averages 12.3 rebounds, and they'll definitely need his help tonight as well. Zach LaVine is putting up 21.5 points per game, and he'll be up against Derrick White.
Matchups are the important thing to watch as we head into this game. Speaking of matchups, the Bulls will have to find a way to stop Jayson Tatum.
Tasked with guarding him tonight is Patrick Williams of the Chicago Bulls. Williams isn't a bad defender, but Tatum might be a little too crafty for him. Keep your eyes on this matchup as we head into tonight's game.
Boston Celtics: Celtics need to play strong defense to win
This season started off with the Boston Celtics winning three games in a row. After that, however, they lost three of their last four. It has been a strange week for Boston, but this game will help them get back on track.
The good news is they have a solid core that can afford a few losses. As always, the player to watch in this game is Jayson Tatum.
Tatum averages 30.1 points per game and leads the team in this category. As a team, the Celtics put up 116.1 points per game, one of the best in the league.
Tonight, they'll need more than just offense, though; they'll need a strong defense too. The Bulls average 111.4 points per game, and Zach LaVine is healthy. So, who's the best team to choose in this one?
Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics Betting Pick
This is a tough one because each team knows how to play to its strength. The Bulls can rely on Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, but their defense hasn't played well. The Celtics have Jayson Tatum, but without him carrying the team, they struggle.
Boston is also heavy favorites coming into this game, currently -7.5. Although it's a large spread, we'll go with the Celtics to win and cover tonight. Behind Tatum and Jaylen Brown, they should be able to take out the Bulls.
DunkelIndex Free Pick: Boston Celtics -7.5, OVER
Prop Picks
Boston (-110) OVER 115.5 Points
Boston is averaging 116.1 points per game on offense, which ranks No. 7 in the NBA. That average increases to 120.3 points per game at home. Scores have gone OVER in 22 of the Celtics’ last 30 home games against the Bulls.
With Dunkel predicting a Boston win by the score of 118-107, take the Celtics (-110) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 115.5 points versus the Bulls.
Marcus Smart (-115) OVER 11.5 Points
Smart is averaging 10.4 points per game in seven games this season. That average increased to 12.5 points per game in two games against the Bulls last season.
With Dunkel predicting the final score going OVER the Vegas total, take Smart (-115) to finish OVER 11.5 points against the Bulls.
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