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Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls December 19th 2024
The Bulls (12-15) are 14.5-point underdogs against the Celtics (21-5) in a 7:30 ET Eastern Conference matchup. Chicago (+695) has won two straight games and is 9th in the East, while Boston (-1090) is 2nd in the conference and has also won two in a row.
This game will take place at TD Garden in Boston and will be televised on NBCS.
Bulls vs. Celtics Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics
- Where: Boston at TD Garden
- Date: Thursday, December 19th
- Betting Odds BOS -14.5, CHI +695 | BOS -1090 O/U 242.5
The Bulls Can Win If…
The Bulls improved to 12-15 on the season with a 122-121 road win over the Raptors on Monday. Chicago entered the game as 1-point favorites, and the final score resulted in a push for those who bet on the spread. The total points for the game were 243, just over the pre-game line of 239.5.
Chicago started strong, leading 33-25 after the 1st quarter, but Toronto closed the gap in the 2nd, outscoring the Bulls 25-20. A big 3rd quarter saw Chicago put up 42 points to Toronto’s 34, giving them a 95-84 lead going into the 4th. However, the Raptors made a push in the final quarter, outscoring the Bulls 37-27, but Chicago held on for the win.
Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 24 points and 5 rebounds in their 122-121 win over the Raptors, shooting 58.8% from the field and hitting 2 threes at a 50% rate. Coby White added 19 points, despite shooting just 33.3%, and connected on 3 three-pointers at 42.9%.
Chicago made 14 threes as a team, shooting 35% from beyond the arc and 46.2% overall. Talen Horton-Tucker contributed 15 points, while Ayo Dosunmu and Josh Giddey chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.
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Despite giving up 121 points, the Bulls’ defense held strong in the 1st and 2nd quarters, allowing just 25 points in each. However, they struggled in the 3rd and 4th, where they gave up 34 and 37 points, respectively. Overall, the Raptors shot 48% from the field.
Chicago did a good job defending the three, holding Toronto to 9 made threes on 34% shooting. The Bulls also recorded 12 steals and 8 blocks in the game.
- Across their five previous road games, Chicago has an ATS mark of 2-2-1. Their straight up record in these matchups was 3-2 while averaging 122 points per game.
- Going back to their last five games as the underdog, the Bulls have a straight up record of 1-4. But, their mark vs the spread was just 2-3.
- Over their last five games, the Bulls have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 2-2-1 vs. the spread.
The Celtics Can Win If…
Boston improved to 21-5 on the season with a 112-98 win over the Wizards on Sunday. The Celtics were favored by 17.5 points but didn’t cover the spread, and the game’s total of 210 points fell well short of the 233.5-point over/under line.
A 15-0 run early in the game helped Boston take control, stretching the score from 26-23 to 38-26. They led 91-72 going into the 4th quarter, but the Wizards outscored them 26-21 in the final period.
Jayson Tatum’s 28 points and 12 rebounds led the Celtics to a win over the Wizards, with Tatum scoring 11 points in the 1st quarter and another 9 in the 4th. Payton Pritchard and Derrick White each added 15 points, with Pritchard hitting 5 threes at a 50% rate.
Boston hit 18 threes, shooting 39.1% from deep, while finishing with an overall field goal percentage of 43%. Tatum made just 2 threes, shooting 22.2% from beyond the arc.
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The Celtics held the Wizards to 98 points on Sunday, with strong defensive performances in the 1st and 3rd quarters, where they allowed just 23 and 20 points, respectively. Boston limited Washington to 40% shooting from the field.
From beyond the arc, the Celtics gave up 13 threes on 32% shooting. They sent the Wizards to the line only 8 times, where they made 5 free throws. Boston also recorded 11 steals and 5 blocks.
- Through their last ten home games, Boston has an ATS record of just 4-6. However, their overall record was 8-2 while averaging 121 points per game.
- Through their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Celtics have a good straight up record, but their ATS mark is just 1-2.
- In their last five games, the Celtics have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.
The Lean
For a point-spread wager in this Celtics vs. Bulls game, we suggest taking the Bulls at +14.5. Even though our predictions have the Celtics winning 142-141, we see the Bulls as the better choice on the point-spread.
Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 242.5, and our model predicts the Bulls and Celtics to score a combined 283 points. We recommend betting on the over.
Celtics and Bulls Gear Up for Back-to-Back Matchups
The Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics both bring two-game winning streaks into their Thursday night clash in Boston, but injuries to key players may play a significant role in how the contest unfolds.
Bulls Face Uncertainty with Giddey
The Bulls could be without versatile guard Josh Giddey, who exited Monday’s thrilling 122-121 win over the Toronto Raptors with a right ankle injury. Giddey, who nearly notched a triple-double with 11 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists before leaving, has been a steady contributor since arriving in Chicago via trade from Oklahoma City.
Coach Billy Donovan acknowledged Giddey’s impact but noted that his absence will require the rest of the roster to step up.
“Josh has been huge for us in moving the ball and creating opportunities for others,” Donovan said. “If he’s out, we need to keep that unselfish play going, and I think we’re capable.”
Celtics Monitoring Porzingis
Boston has its own injury concerns, with center Kristaps Porzingis sidelined in Sunday’s 112-98 win against Washington due to a right heel issue. While Porzingis has been day-to-day, coach Joe Mazzulla remains optimistic about his availability.
“He’s progressing,” Mazzulla said Tuesday. “He’s in the weight room and working through some shooting drills. We’ll evaluate him day-to-day.”
Porzingis has been an integral part of Boston’s success, averaging 19 points and 7 rebounds per game. Despite his absence, Boston’s depth and the standout play of Jayson Tatum have allowed them to maintain momentum.
Tatum Leading the Charge
In the first meeting between these teams on Nov. 29, Jayson Tatum delivered a masterclass with 35 points and 14 rebounds, leading the Celtics to a 138-129 victory in Chicago. Tatum has been the driving force behind Boston’s offense, and his ability to control the game will be crucial in Thursday’s rematch.
Bulls’ Three-Point Surge
Chicago’s offensive approach has been transformed by their emphasis on 3-point shooting. The team has hit at least 10 triples in 27 consecutive games, a franchise record. Despite the absence of leading scorer Zach LaVine (back) in their win over Toronto, the Bulls knocked down 14 3-pointers, showcasing their depth and ball movement.
“I love the way these guys are playing—the unselfishness, the pace,” Donovan said. “The quality of our shots has been great, and that’s what we need to keep building on.”
What to Watch
1. Health of Key Players
The status of Giddey, Porzingis, and LaVine could significantly impact the strategies for both teams. Chicago may need to rely on its depth and 3-point shooting, while Boston will look to Tatum and its versatile roster to compensate for any absences.
2. Battle Beyond the Arc
The Bulls’ recent 3-point success will be tested against a Boston defense that ranks among the league’s best. Can Chicago continue its hot shooting against the Celtics’ perimeter pressure?
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3. Momentum Matters
Both teams come in with confidence after recent victories. With another game between these squads on Saturday in Chicago, the outcome of this first matchup could set the tone for the back-to-back series.
Bottom Line
The Celtics enter as favorites thanks to their deep roster and strong form, having won 12 of their past 14 games. However, the Bulls have been playing with renewed confidence, especially from beyond the arc, making them a dangerous opponent if their shooters find rhythm.
This first clash promises to be an intriguing chess match, with both teams navigating injuries while looking to maintain their upward trajectories.
