Last Meeting: The Bulls defeated the Celtics 100-99 (OT) at Boston on 1/18/13
Line: Celtics -2, Total: 182
With injured lists that have more names than a petition, the banged-up Chicago Bulls travel to Boston on Wednesday to take on the wounded Celtics at 7:30 ET. Both the Celtics and Bulls have been struck with the injury bug this season, suffering long term injuries to each team’s respective All-Star point guards, as well as a number of other playmakers. The Bulls have been without 2011 MVP Derrick Rose all season, and have certainly missed his production recently. Chicago has lost three of their last four contests, giving up an average of 108.8 PPG to opponents over that stretch. The Celtics on the other hand, have played solid basketball since the season-ending injury of Rajon Rondo. Aside from an embarrassing loss at Charlotte on Monday, the Celtics have won seven of their last eight and have done surprisingly well without the former Kentucky star bringing up the ball.
In prior seasons, Chicago and Boston would be neck and neck with the Heat for the East’s best record, but injuries have derailed those plans for now. This matchup, one of the Eastern Conference’s finest rivalries, does not hold the same weight as it previously would have if both teams were healthy and vying for the top spot in the playoffs. Acting as the final game for each team before All-Star Weekend, both the Bulls and Celtics will need to amplify their play after the break if they want to contend for the Finals. Currently, the Bulls hold the 4th seed in the East and have a half game cushion over the Nets. The Celtics possess the 7th seed, but are only a game and a half above the Bucks for the final spot in the playoffs.
Betting Information
The Bulls are 30-21 straight up and 21-29 against the spread on the year. While playing on the road, Chicago is 15-9 SU and 14-9 ATS. The Bulls have a record of 29-22 Under against the overall point total, shooting an average of 93.6 PPG. Not too bad for a team without their best player.
The Celtics have a season record of 27-24 SU and 22-26 ATS, and are 19-9 SU and 15-12 ATS when playing at the TD Garden. Boston is 25-25 against the point total, and is putting up 96.3 PPG. Both teams have gone Over against the total in three of their last four games.
As if losing Rajon Rondo and Jared Sullinger weren’t enough, the Celtics were dealt another season-ending injury on Monday in the form of a torn ACL to Leandro Barbosa. In the last month, the Celtics have lost three key contributors for the year, making the climb to the top of the East even harder. Barbosa was averaging 12.5 minutes, 5.2 PPG and 1.4 APG on the year.
What to watch for
Their last few games might not prove it, but the Bulls have been one of the best defensive teams in the league this season. Allowing only 91.9 PPG (3rd in the league) and grabbing 43.6 RPG (6th in the league), look for the Bulls to continue their defensive dominance as Joakim Noah clocks more minutes and fully returns from injury.
Veteran leadership is what Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett bring to the table and have been vital to their recent success. Combined, the two are averaging 36.0 PPG and 19.5 RPG throughout the month of February. If the Celtics hope to do anything against the Bulls, watch for these two future Hall of Famers to make their imprint on the game.
The pick
It’s tough to pick a team when it isn’t at full strength, which makes this game so difficult to pick. These two damaged clubs are in desperate need of the upcoming All-Star break, bringing up the question: “how hard will they play?” I think both teams will show up to play in Boston, but I feel as though the home team has the advantage in this one. I like the Celtics to knock off the Bulls and go eight for their last nine, bringing a positive vibe into the second half of the season for a team that desperately needs it. Take the home favorite giving points, but not the over, 89-84.
Source: ESPN
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