Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics: Predictions, Starting Lineups (11/28/23)
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The slumping Chicago Bulls (5-13) face the dominant Boston Celtics (13-4) this Tuesday (11/28/23). Get Bulls vs. Celtics moneyline and spread odds, as well as predictions, starting lineups, injuries, and key matchups below.
Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics Prediction
The traditional lines are a bit wacky, and injuries are clouding predictions. However, there are three sure things in this universe: death, taxes, and the Bulls bleeding three-pointers. Therefore, I am going with a niche market here. Essentially, the bet is that when the game clock hits 8:59, there will be two made threes in the game. There’s roughly ten total possessions to get it done, which is definitely feasible based on the franchises involved.
The following chart depicts open plus wide open 3PA per 100 possessions for each team and their opponents (stats via NBA.com).
The Bulls are allowing the most of these attempts when adjusting for pace, while the Celtics sit at fourth most. Both franchises are consistently surrendering excellent looks from deep, which bodes well for this prop. In addition, Boston’s offense is generating the third most open plus wide open 3PA attempts per 100 possessions. Their starting lineup is riddled with perimeter shooters that can knock down shots, including center Al Horford. Meanwhile, Chicago ranks 12th in these attempts per 100 possessions, and their starting lineup fields zero non-shooters.
Based on the three-point defenses and the shooters on the floor, look for both teams to combine for two made threes in the first three minutes.
Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics Prediction: Two or More 3PM in First Three Minutes (-114 FD)
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Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics Best Odds
The Celtics are favored by an absolutely massive 13.5 points despite Kristaps Porzingis’ injury. Chicago must win this game roughly 13.4 percent of the time for their +650 moneyline to be profitable in the long run. Otherwise, it owns a negative expected value.
Chicago Bulls Starting Lineup
PG: Coby White
SG: Alex Caruso
SF: Zach LaVine
PF: DeMar DeRozan
C: Nikola Vucevic
Boston Celtics Starting Lineup
PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Derrick White
SF: Jaylen Brown
PF: Jayson Tatum
C: Al Horford
Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics Injuries
Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso and Jrue Holiday are all questionable for this matchup. Kristaps Porzingis remains out, while Derrick White is probable.
Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics Key Matchups
Al Horford 3PT Shooting
Horford shot a 44.6 3PT% on roughly five attempts per game last season, but the veteran owns an uncharacteristically low 31.5 3PT% so far this year. He faces a Bulls team that surrenders the fourth most made threes per game to centers due to Vucevic’s pick-and-roll defensive style and lack of mobility. Horford needs to rediscover his shot because he will get great looks this game. His screening could also be crucial, as it would open up shots for teammates.
