Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics Predictions

Injuries make the spread difficult to judge

Boston is a 14.5-point home favorite for Monday’s 7:30 p.m. ET game at TD Garden. Chicago entered the day 1-2, while Boston was 1-1, according to iHeart Sports. Those early records offer little basis for deciding whether the Celtics can cover such a large spread.

iHeart Sports lists Chicago’s Nic Claxton out with a hamstring injury. Patrick Williams is questionable with a groin injury, and Noa Essengue is questionable with a head contusion. Boston’s Devin Carter is out with an illness. Chicago’s absences favor Boston, but the two questionable players make the Bulls’ rotation difficult to assess before tipoff.

Best bet

The SPF price makes Boston the likely winner at -750, with Chicago at +525. That heavy moneyline requires more certainty than the available injury and matchup information provides. The same limitation applies to Boston -14.5, while Chicago’s unsettled lineup doesn’t support taking the points. Pass on the side and moneyline.