The Bulls have been brilliant to open the season off the back of their tremendous team defense. While they’ve been prone to scoring droughts, Boston has struggled to contain their opponents or find offensive contributors outside of Brown and Tatum.
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Chicago Bulls def. Boston Celtics (+110)
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Head-to-Head: Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics
| Chicago Bulls |
Head-to-Head |
Boston Celtics |
| Billy Donovan |
Head Coach |
Ime Udoka |
| 5-1 (3rd in East) |
Standing |
2-4 (12th in East) |
| W-L-W-W |
Form |
L-L-W-W |
| 107.6 (11th of 30) |
Off Rtg |
104.6 (18th of 30) |
| 99.7 (5th of 30) |
Def Rtg |
108.9 (22nd of 30) |
| 99.2 (22nd of 30) |
Pace |
100.0 (15th of 30) |
|
Leaders (Per Game)
|
| Z. Lavine (25.5) |
PPG |
J. Tatum (26.7) |
| N. Vucevic (11.0) |
RPG |
A. Horford (10.5) |
| L. Ball, Z. Lavine (4.5) |
APG |
D. Schroder (6.7) |
| A. Caruso (2.7) |
SPG |
M. Smart (2.6) |
| D. Jones Jr. (1.5) |
BPG |
A. Horford (3.8) |
| J. Green (.733)/D. Derozan, Z. Lavine (8.5) |
FG%/FGM |
R. Williams (.724)/J. Brown, J. Tatum (10.0) |
| J. Green (.600)/L. Ball, Z. Lavine (2.5) |
3P%/3PM |
J. Parker (.667)/J. Tatum (2.5) |
CHI: Get Going Early
The Chicago Bulls are looking like an early threat for the Eastern Conference and it is all due to the ability of their backcourt. While they were dealt a blow with an injury to Patrick Williams, the Bulls are still very capable with Derozan, Lavine, and Ball leading them.
When they face the Celtics, the Bulls want to get off to a stronger start. In their recent win against the Jazz, Chicago held their opponents to 32% shooting in the first quarter but led by just one to open the second quarter.
With Williams out, one of Chicago’s best transition options is out for the season. Against a Celtics team that is struggling in all areas, burying them in an early hole could set the Bulls up for an easy victory.
Bulls Key Player: (C) Nikola Vucevic
The Chicago Bulls will draw attention due to their incredible trio of wing players. But it is All-Star center Nikola Vucevic who can be the difference-maker in their run for the East.
Vucevic is coming off of a tough night where he shot 4 of 19 against reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. A pick-and-pop threat, Vucevic needs to get going against the perimeter-averse duo of Horford and Williams.
If the Bulls can get their star center going early, it’ll open up a whole new avenue of problems for the Celtics. Whether it be inside or from the outside, Vucevic needs to be effective for the Bulls to ensure victory.
BOS: Find A Rhythm
The Boston Celtics are coming off of their second double-overtime loss of the season in their last match against the Washington Wizards. The pressure is on, as they’ve not had a home win yet this season.
It is no secret that the Boston Celtics are reliant on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to generate their offense. However, in order for them to find sustained success, there needs to be a third player that can support them against the stronger teams.
Much of the offence has been run through Al Horford, who is averaging three assists per game, but more players need to become involved in the offense. If Marcus Smart picks up his shooting, the Celtics can get out of their early season hole.
Celtics Key Player: (F) Al Horford
When the Boston Celtics re-acquired Al Horford, it was seen by many as a lateral move. However, through the early season, Horford has fulfilled the role he’s been asked to play admirably.
Horford is averaging 13.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists on 44.4% shooting from the field. While his three-point shooting hasn’t been steady, he’s been a stabilizing force.
The 14-year veteran is coming off his first 40-plus minute game since 2018 and he looked more than capable. While he likely won’t see the same time against the Bulls, Boston will need his defensive ability against the interior-adept Bulls.
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