Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics Predictions

Boston's price leaves little room for error

Boston is -850 on the moneyline and favored by 13.5 points at home. Celtics Wire / USA Today Network (syndicated by AOL) reports that Boston entered Monday's game 1-1 after beating New York, while Chicago arrived 1-2 after a loss to Washington. Those early results favor Boston, but they don't justify risking $850 to win $100 or establish that the Celtics should cover a large spread.

Chicago's availability remains uncertain

Chicago will be without Nic Claxton because of a hamstring injury. Noa Essengue is questionable with a head contusion, and Patrick Williams is questionable with a groin injury. Boston has ruled out Devin Carter because of an illness. The Bulls' unresolved injury report makes their lineup harder to assess, but missing information isn't a reason to bet Chicago +13.5.

The reported starting groups are only probable. Boston's listed five is Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, Jayson Tatum, Paul George and Mitchell Robinson. Chicago's is Jalen Smith, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Norman Powell and Josh Giddey. Until those lineups are confirmed, there isn't a firm basis for projecting the margin or the 233.5-point total.

Prediction

Boston is the likelier winner, but the available evidence doesn't support the -850 moneyline, Celtics -13.5, Bulls +13.5 or either side of the total. Pass.