NBA Playoff Picks – Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls

Bulls Come Home To Go Up Against Boston

Chicago fell asleep against Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen, and the dynamic combo of the Celtics made them pay. Don’t expect Derrick Rose or Ben Gordon to make the same mistake against the Celtics when they take to the hardwood in Game 3 of the most intriguing series in the Eastern Conference.

Chicago is a very strong team at home, and their ridiculous 11-5 ATS record at home is only bolstered by a stiff 7-1 SU record over their last 8 games at the United Center. Rose and Gordon have been incredible in the playoffs thus far, and don’t expect either of them to let off the peddle when they return home to try and put Boston in an inescapable hole.

NBA Betting Trend

-Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road

-Boston is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games on the road

-Boston is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Chicago

-Boston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Chicago

-Chicago is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games

-Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

-The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago’s last 6 games

-Chicago is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games at home

The tight line for Chicago is both a compliment and a curse at the same time. It’s no secret that the Celtics are a vastly different team without Kevin Garnett. But losing Leon Powe to a devastating knee injury leaves the paint duties solely to Kendrick Perkins and Big Baby Davis. You all know I’ve been a huge critic of Davis, and while I endorse Perkins as a decent player, he’s hardly the defensive force of nature that KG is.

#2 Boston Celtics vs. #7 Chicago Bulls

Thursday, April 23rd — United Center, Chicago — 8:00pm EST

NBA Betting Line: Chicago -1.5 (201)

The guy I’ve been keeping my eye on in this series is Joakim Noah. The energetic center from Florida was an unstoppable force in March Madness a few years ago, and he’s showing that his burst and explosiveness can be a proven weapon in the NBA as well. Noah has averaged 12 points and 12 boards this series thus far, and with him feeding off the injuries of the Celtics and the home crowd’s fury, Noah is primed to explode all over the interior defense of the Celtics.

All eyes will undoubtedly be on Rondo, and while I don’t doubt his skills, I’m not sure if he’s prepared to carry a team. Certainly he’ll be the key element in the Celtics’ playoff hopes this year, but the learning curve is steep, and Rondo was in no way prepared for the incredible pressure to be placed on his over-sized shoulders.

Bet on Chicago to win in a rout as the Celtics look for answers on the road in Game 3. This doesn’t mean in any way the Bulls have a one-way ticket to the second round yet, but tonight will prove just how effective – and dangerous – the Bulls will be at home. For my money, I’m not betting against them.

Furious Free Pick: Chicago -1.5 (UNDER 201)