At least we can always flip over to the Bears game if this one gets out of hand! *he types exuding sarcasm*
Game Info
Boston Celtics (3-0) at Chicago Bulls (1-2) – 7:00 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Chicago (TV), and 670 The Score (Radio)
Projected Starters
Chicago Bulls
1. Ayo Dosunmu
2. Zach LaVine
3. DeMar DeRozan
4. Patrick Williams
5. Nikola Vucevic
Injury Report: Lonzo Ball OUT (knee)
Boston Celtics
1. Marcus Smart
2. Derrick White
3. Jaylen Brown
4. Jayson Tatum
5. Al Horford
Injury Report: Robert Williams OUT (knee), Danilo Gallinari OUT (knee)
Odds
The Bulls walk into tonight as +6.0 underdogs against the Boston Celtics at PointsBet Illinois Sportsbook and +5.5 underdogs at FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook. Click on either link to sign up and pick the Bulls to cover (… or pick the opposite …)!
What to Watch For …
I got to be honest with you, my expectations are low. While the Bulls gave us plenty to like in their opening night win over the Miami Heat, the last two games have given us no reason to believe they are ready to take down a vengeful Boston Celtics team. Jayson Tatum has played like an MVP candidate to start the season, dropping at least 35 points in two of the team’s first three games. The supporting cast has also looked strong, as the team has shot a league-high 52.0 percent from the field to start the season. If the Bulls want any chance of slowing down a group that continues to click on all cylinders, they’re going to have to do a much better job of rotating and communicating on the defensive end.
As for the opposite side of the ball, HIT YOUR FREAKIN’ OPEN SHOTS. The Bulls shanked 3-pointer after 3-pointer against the Cleveland Cavaliers during their home opener, and they are now just 17-61 on long-range shots considered “wide-open” this season, per NBA Stats. If they want any chance of staying competitive with this Celtics team, they are going to have to take advantage of whatever few opportunities this talented defense gives them.
Andre Drummond could prove to be a difference-maker tonight. The backup big man should have a favorable matchup against Celtics reserve Noah Vonleh, who has been thrust into a rotational role due to the injury of Robert Williams. While Vonleh has played well to start the season, he’s also struggled to carve out an NBA role in recent years. Drummond should have the upper hand.
Overall, we need to see a lot more from the Bulls’ role players. The bench shot a dismal 1-13 from behind the arc against the Cavaliers, while both Patrick Williams and Ayo Dosunmu were no-shows in the starting lineup. Somebody is going to have to play the valuable role of fourth-banana to make this a fight.
More in here …
NEWSLETTER
