CELTICS: Boston is likely to treat tonight like a playoff game, as they have much at stake tonight. The Celtics are currently 3 games behind the Bulls for the overall best record in the Eastern Conference. With a SU win tonight, the Celtics will take the season series with Chicago 3-1. Boston is 54-23 SU and 36-39-2 ATS overall this season. The Celtics are 23-15 SU and 18-20 ATS in road games this year. Boston is 2-0 ATS as a road underdog between 3.5 and 6 points this season. The Celtics play the best defense in the NBA, as they are allowing an NBA low 90.8 PPG this year. 5 different Boston players average double figures in points this season, led by F Paul Pierce. Pierce is averaging 18.8 PPG this season, as well as 5.3 RPG and 3.3 APG. F Kevin Garnett is averaging 14.9 PPG and a team high 8.9 RPG this year for Boston. The Celtics are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600%. Boston is 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games. The Celtics are 6-15 ATS in their last 21 games following an ATS win. Boston is 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a SU win. The Celtics are 16-41-1 ATS in their last 58 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
Celtics are 9-2 ATS last 11 games as an underdog. Under is 12-3 last 15 games overall.
Injuries: C Shaquille O'Neal (calf) is out.
BULLS: (-4.5, O/U 179) Chicago has won their past 4 games SU, which keeps them well within striking distance of the best record in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls currently lead Miami and Boston by 3 games in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls are 57-20 SU and 46-29-2 ATS overall this season. Chicago is an impressive 34-5 SU and 23-15 ATS in home games this season. The Bulls are 3-1 ATS as a home favorite between 3.5 and 6 points this year. Chicago is allowing the 2nd fewest points in the NBA at 91.5 PPG. PG Derrick Rose is the likely MVP of the NBA this year, as he's been simply dynamic this season. Rose is averaging team highs of 25.1 PPG and 7.9 APG this year. The Bulls are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games. Chicago is 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 home games against a team with a road winning percentage greater than .600%. The Bulls are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 games against the Eastern Conference. Chicago is 37-17 ATS in their last 54 games playing on 1 days rest. The Bulls are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU win. Chicago is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as a home favorite.
Jazz are 4-18 ATS last 22 games following a SU win. Under is 5-0 last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Injuries: G Devin Harris (hamstring) is probable.
Projected Score: Bulls 94, Celtics 83
Related reading: Best of East battle [ESPN Chicago]