After a much-needed win over the Denver Nuggets Monday, the Chicago Bulls kick off a 3-game road trip tonight against the defending champion Boston Celtics.
Boston has been yo-yo-ing between wins and losses but are massive 14.5-point home favorites, and our Bulls vs. Celtics predictions expect a closer game than that.
Injuries play a part in our NBA picks for this 7:30 p.m. ET tip from TD Garden on Wednesday, January 29.
Bulls vs Celtics prediction
My best bet
Bulls 14.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
After dropping eight of their last nine, the Chicago Bulls went on an absolute shooting spree to beat the Denver Nuggets 129-121.
Chicago went a blistering 24-for-53 from 3-point range, and the bench unit chipped in with 41 points, going +30 against Denver’s second-unit players.
However, a major part of their attack will not be available tonight. Zach LaVine, who has led the team in scoring in five straight games, will be away from the team as he and his wife are expecting their third child.
LaVine is averaging 24 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists and is part of a unit that ranks seventh in the NBA in scoring, putting up 116.7 points per game. Additionally, backcourt mate Coby White (ankle) is listed as questionable.
The Bulls still have an opportunity, as the Boston Celtics aren’t exactly living up to their title-level standards.
Boston was dumped 114-112 by the Houston Rockets, its third home loss in the last five. Its 15-9 record at TD Garden is already far back of the pace of last year, when the C’s were nearly unbeatable on their parquet floor, going 37-4.
The Celtics are also dinged up, with All-Star Jayson Tatum (knee), Al Horford (toe), and Sam Hauser (hip) all listed as questionable on the injury report.
Boston has gone 6-6 over its last 12 and has looked completely different in wins and losses. In the six wins, the C’s are averaging 120.5 points compared to 101.5 in the losses. Defensively, they’ve allowed 104 points in wins and 113.2 in losses.
They have owned the Bulls lately, taking two of three this season, and six of the last seven overall, though they hold only a 4-3-0 record against the spread.
Boston has only dropped back-to-back games once this season, so I believe they bounce back in the win column but not against the lofty spread.
Without LaVine in five games this season, Chicago is 2-3 but has averaged 116.2 points, failing to cross 100 points just once in those bouts.
Bulls vs Celtics same-game parlay
Bulls +14.5
Jaylen Brown Over 24.5 points
Nikola Vucevic Over 10.5 rebounds
Tatum has been Boston's leading scorer in all three games against the Bulls this season. Even if he is a go, I like Jaylen Brown to up his output in the regular-season series finale.
The reigning Finals MVP has averaged 19.6 points against the Bulls in a supercharged sidekick role, but he’s more than capable.
Brown went for 28 last game against the Rockets, the second time in the last four he’s put up at least 25.
We’ll finish with Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic, who has gone for double-digit rebounds in all three games against the C’s this season, topping the 10.5-board total set for Wednesday twice.
Vooch has grabbed at least 11 rebounds in five of his last eight outings.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Bulls vs Celtics odds
Bulls vs Celtics live odds
Bulls vs Celtics opening odds
- Spread: Chicago +14.5 (-110) | Boston -14.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Chicago +650 | Boston -1000
- Over/Under: Over 234 (-110) | Under 234 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Bulls vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
- Chicago is 2-1-0 against the spread vs Boston this season.
- Boston is 3-7-0 ATS over its last 10 games.
- The Celtics have gone Over the total three times in their last four games.
- The Bulls have cashed the Over three times in their last five.
Bulls vs Celtics trend
Boston has won 17 of its last 18 games following a loss. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Celtics.
How to watch Bulls vs Celtics
| Location | TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts |
| Date | Wednesday, 1-29-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | CHSN, NBCSB |
Bulls vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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