Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Bulls, Celtics Square Off Again After Chicago’s Fourth-Quarter Surge

The Boston Celtics look to rebound on Saturday as they visit the Chicago Bulls, just two nights after a frustrating 117-108 home loss to the same opponent. Boston’s uncharacteristic shooting woes and Chicago’s resilience in the fourth quarter defined Thursday’s matchup, setting the stage for a compelling rematch.

Celtics’ Struggles from Deep

The Celtics tied a franchise record with 42 missed 3-point attempts, shooting just 14-for-56 (25 percent) from beyond the arc. Their 39.2 percent overall shooting from the field marked their lowest of the season. Despite Jayson Tatum’s 31-point, 10-rebound effort and Jaylen Brown’s 21 points, Boston couldn’t find the rhythm that has made them one of the NBA’s most dangerous teams.

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Kristaps Porzingis highlighted the team’s deflated energy, noting that missed shots took a toll on their intensity.

“We were getting decent looks, but we just weren’t making them,” Porzingis said. “When you’re not making them, it’s just not the same hype.”

Boston’s frustrations boiled over in the fourth quarter, as coach Joe Mazzulla and Brown were hit with technical fouls during a critical stretch.

LaVine and Bulls Shine

The Bulls, riding a three-game win streak, showcased their resilience. Zach LaVine led the way with a season-high 36 points, including 6-of-11 shooting from beyond the arc. His scoring, particularly during a pivotal fourth-quarter stretch, helped Chicago outscore Boston 35-22 in the final frame.

“Zach kept playing the right way, picked his spots, took his shots when they were there,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said. “I thought he was great all the way around.”

LaVine’s five straight points in the fourth quarter, combined with Chicago’s defensive effort, helped secure the win. The Bulls were 19-for-52 from 3-point range and dominated the physical aspects of the game, an area Donovan praised postgame.

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What to Watch in the Rematch

• Boston’s Adjustments: The Celtics will aim to rectify their 3-point shooting struggles and match Chicago’s physicality. Improved offensive flow and shot selection will be crucial.
• Chicago’s Momentum: The Bulls have won three straight games for the first time this season. Their defensive intensity and LaVine’s hot hand will be pivotal as they try to sweep this two-game mini-series.
• Tatum and Brown’s Response: The Celtics’ All-Stars need to find ways to break through Chicago’s defense and avoid the foul trouble and technicals that plagued them late in the previous game.

A Battle of Resilience

Both teams head into Saturday with something to prove. Boston seeks to bounce back from its shooting woes and maintain its position near the top of the Eastern Conference. Chicago, riding a wave of confidence, aims to keep its win streak alive and further solidify its identity as a team capable of upsetting top contenders.