Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics Game 2 Eastern Conference Playoff Prediction, 4–18–2017
Chicago Bulls (42–41) at Boston Celtics (53–30)
NBA: Tuesday, April 18th, 8 pm EST
Odds: Celtics -7, 205.5
NBA Playoff Pick by Rich Roth
Last 30: 34 Wins — 25 Losses: 58%
Unit Gain/Loss: +1210 Units
Game 2 tips off tonight of this first round Eastern Conference playoff matchup between the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics. Chicago stole Game 106–102 and the Bulls have put the Celtics in a very vulnerable position defending their home court. The #1 seed in the Eastern Conference must win tonight and shift the momentum before they go to Chicago. In tonight’s matchup, oddsmakers have the Celtics listed as -7 home favorites but has the public lost faith in Boston?
The Chicago Bulls came into the playoffs as a dark horse but they turned some heads after stealing home-court advantage with a hard-fought win in Game 1. Jimmy Butler led the Bulls with 30 points and Bobby Portis provided the spark off the bench with 19 points on 8 of 10 shooting.
A big aspect of the Bulls win in Game 1 was their domination on the boards. Chicago outrebounded the Celtics, 53–36. Robin Lopez lead with 11 rebounds (8 offensive) while contributing 14 points. Winning the rebounding battle is key in slowing down Boston’s offense that ranked seventh in the regular season.
The Celtics shot only 43% from the field in Game 1 and failed to win the rebounding battle. These are two aspects of the game they need to improve upon in Game 2 to pull out a win. Isaiah Thomas is dealing with the death of his sister but he showed incredible heart by dropping 33 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in Game 1. His team will need to rally behind him and support him better by pounding the boards and knocking down the open shots.
Boston has a big advantage beyond the arc and if they can hit the three-pointer at a decent clip, it provides some separation from the Bulls.
Prediction:
Boston will need to amp up the intensity and hustle for loose balls and rebounds. If Boston can knock down three-pointers at opportune times they can provide some seperation. I expect Boston to play solid defense and put forth more effort on the boards. I don’t see Chicago taking Game 2 and the Celtics understand what is at stake. It may be tempting to take Chicago plus the points but I’m leaning on Boston -7 and feel they pull out a desperate win.
