GAME 1
It has been an up and down season for the Bulls. Aquiring Carlos Buzzer was not what they expected. He has been out most of the start this year wiht a broken wrist and looked horrible on the court when the Magic took them to the wood shed (107-78). Now they look at an even more Challenge going into Boston trying to pull off an upset, but Chicago has been extremely solid in spread betting, going 10-5-1 ATS through the first 16 games of the season. The Chicago Bulls are 5-1 against the spread in their previous six games and have gone 5-2 ATS in their last seven trips to Boston.
The Celtics will be without Jermaine O'Neal (knee) for at least a couple more weeks while Delonte West (wrist) and Kendrick Perkins (knee) remain out long-term. There will be no notable absentees for Chicago. (I know this is fading GG's big trend going with a team that has starting players injured), Despite being short-handed, Boston has looked strong recently in obtaining a 14-4 overall record. The Celtics (14-4) received a bit of a scare Wednesday against Portland, blowing almost all of a 16-point, fourth-quarter lead before winning 99-95. Ray Allen missed his first five 3-point attempts before hitting one with 10.7 seconds left for the game's final points. Boston has won five straight, thanks to some strong play from the frontcourt. Kevin Garnett had 17 points Wednesday, while Glen Davis scored 16 and Shaquille O'Neal added 14. The Celtics have outscored opponents by 16.4 points in the paint during their winning streak, and now face a Chicago team that was outscored 46-26 in the post by Orlando. Boston had seven players score in double figures in the first meeting with the Bulls. Allen led the way with 25 points, but Noah had 26 points and 12 rebounds in his last start, while Rose added 18 points and nine assists. Rose seems to relish these marquee games and he should bounce back with a great night after a poor display versus the Magic. If Boozer and Noah can play effectively in the post, this one should come down to the wire. I like the Bulls in an upset here. My first 3* NBA play this year.
3* CHICAGO BULLS +5 1/2
GAME 2
The Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz have both won seven straight games, so an argument could certainly be made for either being the NBA's hottest team, However, Utah is probably the hardest place to play in the NBA and, Rebounding has been a major reason why the Mavericks' struggle in Salt Lake City. Dallas also needs to figure out how to contain Utah in the paint. The Jazz have averaged 47.2 points in the lane during their home streak against the Mavericks, many of which have come thanks to open looks provided by Deron Williams. Utah's point guard has averaged 14.4 assists in the five wins. Containing Dirk is a big key for the Jazz as the Mavericks are 0-7 in Utah when Nowitzki scores fewer than 29. With all of that being said, I think the Jazz get it done here.
1* UTAH JAZZ -4
It has been an up and down season for the Bulls. Aquiring Carlos Buzzer was not what they expected. He has been out most of the start this year wiht a broken wrist and looked horrible on the court when the Magic took them to the wood shed (107-78). Now they look at an even more Challenge going into Boston trying to pull off an upset, but Chicago has been extremely solid in spread betting, going 10-5-1 ATS through the first 16 games of the season. The Chicago Bulls are 5-1 against the spread in their previous six games and have gone 5-2 ATS in their last seven trips to Boston.
The Celtics will be without Jermaine O'Neal (knee) for at least a couple more weeks while Delonte West (wrist) and Kendrick Perkins (knee) remain out long-term. There will be no notable absentees for Chicago. (I know this is fading GG's big trend going with a team that has starting players injured), Despite being short-handed, Boston has looked strong recently in obtaining a 14-4 overall record. The Celtics (14-4) received a bit of a scare Wednesday against Portland, blowing almost all of a 16-point, fourth-quarter lead before winning 99-95. Ray Allen missed his first five 3-point attempts before hitting one with 10.7 seconds left for the game's final points. Boston has won five straight, thanks to some strong play from the frontcourt. Kevin Garnett had 17 points Wednesday, while Glen Davis scored 16 and Shaquille O'Neal added 14. The Celtics have outscored opponents by 16.4 points in the paint during their winning streak, and now face a Chicago team that was outscored 46-26 in the post by Orlando. Boston had seven players score in double figures in the first meeting with the Bulls. Allen led the way with 25 points, but Noah had 26 points and 12 rebounds in his last start, while Rose added 18 points and nine assists. Rose seems to relish these marquee games and he should bounce back with a great night after a poor display versus the Magic. If Boozer and Noah can play effectively in the post, this one should come down to the wire. I like the Bulls in an upset here. My first 3* NBA play this year.
3* CHICAGO BULLS +5 1/2
GAME 2
The Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz have both won seven straight games, so an argument could certainly be made for either being the NBA's hottest team, However, Utah is probably the hardest place to play in the NBA and, Rebounding has been a major reason why the Mavericks' struggle in Salt Lake City. Dallas also needs to figure out how to contain Utah in the paint. The Jazz have averaged 47.2 points in the lane during their home streak against the Mavericks, many of which have come thanks to open looks provided by Deron Williams. Utah's point guard has averaged 14.4 assists in the five wins. Containing Dirk is a big key for the Jazz as the Mavericks are 0-7 in Utah when Nowitzki scores fewer than 29. With all of that being said, I think the Jazz get it done here.
1* UTAH JAZZ -4