Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Game 4 Playoff Prediction, 4–23–2017
Boston Celtics (54–31 SU, 41–42–2 ATS, 41–40–4 O/U) v. Chicago Bulls (43–42 SU, 44–41 ATS, 34–50–1 O/U)
NBA: United Center, Chicago, Ill.
Line: Chicago +2.5, 204 | Last Meeting: 4/21/17 — Chicago 87 — Boston 104 (Boston covered -2.5 point spread)
Featured Matchup by Peter Trell of KingSportsPicks.com
Trends:
Celtics are 0–4 ATS in their last 4 games following an ATS win
Bulls are 7–0 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss
Under is 4–0 in the last 4 meetings in Chicago
The Boston Celtics look to even this Eastern Conference Playoff series after going down 0–2 but winning convincingly in Game 3. The Chicago Bulls are looking to protect their home court in Game 4.
Boston looked like the team we expected to see in Game 3 and leading the way was Al Horford who dropped 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals. Isiah Thomas and Jae Crowder chipped in with 16 points each while Avery Bradley scored 15 points with seven rebounds and seven assists. It was a team effort and their defense was outstanding, holding the Bulls to just 15 first quarter points which allowed them to open up with a double-digit lead.
Chicago was dealt a tough loss when Rajon Rondo was ruled out indefinitely due to a thumb fracture. Rondo was the spark that ignited this Bulls team in Games 1 and 2, looking like the Bulls playoff MVP in the making. He was putting up 11.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 10 assists before a fractured thumb was discovered. The Bulls must pick up the pieces and figure out a way to penetrate this Celtics offense and get to the free throw line. One of the biggest hurdles the Bulls face is Dwayne Wade and Jimmy Butler’s love affair with the mid-range jump shot. Chicago has a big rebounding advantage but if they go cold from the floor they put their team in a vulnerable position.
Rajon Rondo played mediocre basketball all season but he was the x-factor in this series. With Rondo out the Celtics have the clear advantage on both ends of the court. The Bulls lack the aggressive scoring guard and Jimmy Butler had 0 free throws and 0 assists in Game 3. The Celtics regain momentum tonight and win Game 4 as small road chalk.
