Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls, NBA 2024-25 Season, Today Match Prediction

Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Basteball Odds

Teams Preview

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are currently 1st in the Atlantic Division and 2nd in the Eastern Conference. Their record this season is 21-5 which is the second-best record in the entire league at the time of writing.  The Boston Celtics have lost just one of their last five games with their most recent loss coming against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 8. 

Following that loss, the reigning champions have won their next two games against the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards and now will hope to make it 3 wins in 3 at the TD Gardens on Thursday.

The Boston Celtics have been averaging 119.9 points per game which is the second-best offensive record in the East after the Cleveland Cavaliers.  The side also averages 43.4 rebounds and 25.5 assists per game which has been an average figure this season. Jayson Tatum leads their offensive scoreboard averaging 29.0 points and 5.7 assists per game. In defense, Jayson Tatum averages 8.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. 

Derrick White with 1.1 blocks per game. Offensively, they have solid efficiency from the three-point range at around 37.6%. Their emphasis on ball movement is evident in their 25.5 assists per game. Their two-point field goal percentage is strong as well, showing their ability to score inside effectively. 

Defensively, the Celtics excel in versatility, allowing them to switch across multiple positions and disrupt offensive plays. Their rebounding average of 43.4 per game demonstrates control over the boards, and they force 11.2 turnovers at a competitive rate through disciplined team defense. They also average 5.3 blocks and 7.5 steals per game, showcasing their ability to create extra possessions through defensive stops.

Key players include Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown while Derrick White and Jrue Holiday have also been pivotal, especially defensively. Their main issue however is the injury concerns to big men Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis which leaves them short in the defensive end for the coming fixture.

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls haven't had the season they were expecting so far in the 2024-25 NBA season, as they are struggling with inconsistency. The Illinois side is struggling in comparison to the reigning champions and currently has a 12-15 record sitting 9th in the table right at the edge of the play-in spots. 

The last three games for the Bulls have seen one defeat and two wins. Winning away to the Raptors in their latest fixture the Bulls won at the United Center against the Charlotte Hornets before the game but came up short against the 76ers in the game before that. The Bulls offense has averaged 117.4 points but defensively, the Bulls have faced significant issues since they are conceding 123.9 points per game, which makes them rank 29th overall defensive efficacy.

The Bulls' strategy is extremely offense-oriented, depending strongly on the fast-paced offense of Zach LaVine, Coby White, and Nikola Vucevic. However, the latter is currently out injured and others joining the absentee list are Torrey Carig and Dalen Terry. Despite the failure to keep their big men fit the the team averages 44.3 rebounds, 4.8 blocks, and 24.1 assists per game.

Their shooting percentages are fine, scoring 52.3% of their shots at 2-point range and 38.5% at the 3-point line. Though offensive support hasn't been a problem, defensive lapses often have plagued them when opponents keep finding holes and scoring easily. 

Moreover, injury issues haven't helped them either as none of their stars played all 18 games except for Coby White, and Josh Giddey. The starting five for the Bulls should include Josh Gidey and Coby White as the guards, the forwards include Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, and Jalen Smith.

Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Starting Lineups

Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Match Prediction & Analysis

The two teams have a 2-game winning streak and will be eyeing to keep it alive against one another as they face off at the TD Gardens on Thursday. The Bulls have been better away from home with an 8-6 record and will hope to continue this form in their next game against the Celtics. 

The reigning champions on the other hand have been flawless home and away but do boast more wins at home than away. In terms of the ATS record, the two teams are on very different planes as the Bulls have a 13-13-0 record with a 50.0% cover, and surprisingly the Celtics have a much worse record with 10-16-0 and a 38.5% cover.

Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Player Stats

BOSTON CELTICS vs CHICAGO BULLS
Winning Prediction

The Boston Celtics will undoubtedly be the favorites as the Bulls travel to Massachusetts for the fixture. Despite this, the Bulls will be confident in getting the victory after having a resurgence in recent games. Celtics on the other hand can only be derailed by a poor defensive performance as their backcourt so far this season has been flawless.

Boston Celtics to Win!

1xBet

330% up to ₹65,000 on your 1st Deposit with Reg Code: TOPBK

BET NOW