Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 21st 2024
Preview and Prediction
The Boston Celtics appeared to be off their game in Thursday's 117-108 defeat at home against the Chicago Bulls. The team tied their own record by missing a whopping 42 attempts from beyond the arc, shooting just 14 of 56. To add insult to injury, they were outscored 35-22 in the final quarter of the game.
In an attempt to redeem themselves and avoid another loss to the Bulls, the Celtics will face off against them once again on Saturday in Chicago.
According to Boston's Kristaps Porzingis, the team had decent opportunities to score, but simply couldn't capitalize on them. He also noted that the Bulls were making some difficult shots, as well as the open ones.
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Chicago's Zach LaVine had a standout performance, sinking 6 of 11 3-point attempts and scoring a season-high 36 points.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan praised LaVine's unselfishness and leadership, as well as his poise and composure throughout the game. He also commended his shot selection and aggressiveness, which helped keep the team in the game during the first half.
LaVine scored five consecutive points after Boston closed the gap to 99-96 with a 3-pointer from Jaylen Brown. Two of those points came from free throws after Boston coach Joe Mazzulla and Brown were each given technical fouls for their reactions to a call. Jayson Tatum also received a technical foul later in the game.
Donovan acknowledged the physicality of the Celtics, noting their ability to switch positions and dominate in the paint. He also praised their individual talent and the other aspects of their game that make them a formidable opponent.
The Bulls' victory ended their five-game losing streak against the Celtics, including a 138-129 defeat on November 29. It also marked their first three-game winning streak of the season.
LaVine expressed his confidence in the team's resilience and ability to compete against any opponent, despite what the predictions may have been at the start of the season.
During Thursday's game, the Bulls were 19 of 52 from beyond the arc. They trailed at halftime but managed to take control in the fourth quarter with a 12-0 run, ultimately securing the win.
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Boston's shooting percentage of 39.2% was their worst of the season. Despite Jayson Tatum's impressive 31 points and 10 rebounds, he struggled with his shooting, making just 10 of 22 attempts.
Brown acknowledged the Bulls' strong performance, noting their ability to hit shots and play solid defense. He also recognized that on any given night, any team can come out on top.
Boston vs. Chicago Recap JAN 25TH 2021
Zack LaVine scored 42 points, and Lauri Markkanen added 35, both career highs, as the Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Boston Celtics 126-116 Saturday night for their third consecutive victory.
The Bulls, who had lost 11 of their previous 12 games at the United Center, improved to 7-23 at home this season.
LaVine made two free throws with 17.6 seconds left to eclipse his previous best of 41 points, set earlier this season. LaVine only shot three free throws in the game. He was 17 of 29 from the field and 5 of 11 from 3-point range. He also had six rebounds and four assists.
Markkanen grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds, giving him 20-plus points and 10-plus rebounds in six of his past eight games. The 7-footer, in his second NBA season, made two free throws with 1.5 seconds remaining Friday night in Orlando to give the Bulls a 110-109 victory.
Center Robin Lopez added 17 points, shooting 6 for 8 from the field with six rebounds and four assists for the Bulls.
Kyrie Irving led the Celtics with 37 points and 10 assists and also grabbed five rebounds. Irving was 14 of 24 from the field and 3 for 6 from beyond the 3-point arc. Al Horford added 19 points for Boston, and Jayson Tatum and Marcus Morris each scored 12.
Forward Gordon Hayward came off the bench for the Celtics after missing Thursday's loss at Milwaukee because of an ankle injury sustained while practicing with teammate Semi Ojeleye over the break. Gordon played 24 minutes, scoring five points on 2-for-6 shooting.
Chicago's Otto Porter Jr. played just 14 scoreless minutes before leaving with a lower left leg strain. He didn't return. Still, the Bulls are 4-2 since acquiring Porter from Washington.
The Celtics led 33-28 after the first quarter before the Bulls scored the first 10 points of the second to take the lead for good. Chicago outscored Boston 36-18 in the second quarter and led 64-51 at halftime. The Celtics never threatened in the second half.