NBA Playoff Picks – Bulls at Celtics Game 1

Chicago to get Bullish Against Garnett-less Celtics – Chicago at Boston

The Boston Celtics (62-20 SU, 43-39 ATS, 41-40-1 O/U) and Chicago Bulls (41-41 SU, 42-39-1 ATS, 43-37-2 O/U) will both look to get their 2008-09 postseason started off on the right foot when they battle in the BetOnline Sportsbook and on the court and TD BankNorth Garden Saturday at 12:30 PM ET.

The Celtics won the regular season series against Chicago 2-1 SU and ATS and have gone 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games against Chicago while the Bulls have also gone just 1-7 ATS against the Celtics in the last 8 meetings overall.

The Bulls won and covered the spread against the Celtics in a high-scoring affair in their last matchup winning 127-121 on March 17 as 1.5-point home underdogs and enter the postseason playing their best basketball of the season, winning five consecutive games before losing their regular season finale against Toronto 109-98 on Wednesday..

The Celtics are playing solid basketball as well entering this first round matchup, having won eight of its last nine, including a 115-107 win over Washington in its regular season finale as 4.5-point home favorites, but will be without emotional and defensive leader Kevin Garnett, likely for the entire postseason it was revealed on Thursday.

Here is a look at tonight’s key NBA betting trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Picks.

The Bulls are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games following a S.U. loss.

The Bulls are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog.

The Celtics are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite.

The Celtics are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.

NBA Odds

Boston Celtics -8½ -110

Chicago Bulls +8½ -110

Over 196½ -110

Under 196½ -110

Analysis: Maybe it’s me, but I just don’t see a 9-point win for the Celtics over the Bulls, probably all series long as Chicago gets ‘bullish’ with Boston and keeps the outcome of this contest closer than expected with its athletic front line quarter featuring Tyrus Thomas Joakim Noah, John Salmons and Brad Miller and explosive backcourt trio of Rose, Gordon and Hinrich.

Now, don’t get m wrong, I don’t see the Bulls winning outright BetOnline NBA sports betting backers, but I do see a cover for the Bulls in this one.

Take the Bulls to cover the spread and improve their horrific ATS record against the Celtics while also playing the Under as Boston turns up its defense to postseason levels even without Garnett.

NBA Free Picks: Bulls +8½ Points/Under 196½ Total Points