NBA Betting – Thursday Picks – Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls
Before nba betting fans turn their attention to more sports betting events this weekend, we have the NBA doubleheader on Thursday night. It’s time for our weekly hoops picks for NBA gambling action.
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CELTICS vs. BULLS
Time: Thursday 8 ET
Venue: United Center, Chicago
Spread: Bulls -4.5
Over/Under: 179
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Late next month the Bulls and Celtics might meet in the Eastern Conference finals, and if that’s the case there will be a lot more intensity than will probably be on display tonight when the teams go at it for the final time in the regular season. Motivation is everything, and this game doesn’t mean all that much to the Bulls – even with a loss tonight they will hold a 2-game edge over Boston in the loss column for the No. 1 playoff seed in the East, with upcoming games against Cleveland and New Jersey.
The Celtics, though, have to pay attention if they are interested in nailing down the No. 2 seed and having home-court edge in a possible 7th game against the Heat in the second round. A loss tonight, plus another defeat Sunday at Miami, would open the door for the Heat to move past Boston. [The Celtics got a huge break when Miami somehow managed to lose at home to Milwaukee on Wednesday night.]
Despite the Bulls’ great play since the All-Star Game, there seems to be concern in Chicago. Both coach Tom Thibodeau and MVP candidate Derrick Rose have expressed concern about the Bulls’ inability to finish games strong, even though Chicago has four wins in a row. No one was all that happy after a win over Phoenix when Chicago blew a 22-point lead in the second half before getting things together.
Boston’s main concern is getting healthy for another playoff run. Shaq is out again, and it would surprise exactly no one if he doesn’t play again until the playoffs.
Trends:
Under is 12-3 in BOS last 15 overall.
Under is 8-2 in BOS last 10 road games.
BOS are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games.
Over is 8-2 in CHI last 10 overall.
Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Chicago.
Favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Best bets: When Tom Thibodeau has time to go back to the drawing board, the result is usually renewed intensity defensively, especially when games slow down. It’s unlikely Boston will want to run on the road, and the Celtics have problems in half-court situations. Making matters worse for Boston is that Ray Allen, of all people, is in a shooting slump and even missing free throws.
Even at 179 the under is an interesting play here. In the second game, Portland should steamroll the Jazz, who expended what little energy they have left in upending the Lakers in LA a few nights ago.
Chicago-Boston under.
Lawrence Paul is a regular contributor to the Cappers Picks Blog, and is a free-lance gambling and travel expert from Massachusetts.
