The Chicago Bulls have been on a terrible run over recent weeks, and they will be looking to end that streak when they host the Boston Celtics on Friday evening. But, can they get a much needed victory to improve their playoff chances?
Bulls vs Celtics Preview
Bulls Desperately Need Win
The Chicago Bulls had been in an extremely strong position to finish in a play-in spot just a couple of weeks ago. However, a run of four straight defeats in the NBA have left their chances of achieving that in tatters. They will need a minor miracle to achieve a place in the top ten of the Eastern Conference at this late stage of the season. But, a victory against the Celtics could be the springboard that they need for better things ahead. The Bulls have lost six of their last ten games in the NBA, and have won just four times.
That record has seen their win percentage in the NBA slip to .400. The Washington Wizards, who currently occupy the final play-in spot currently have a win percentage of .455, while the Toronto Raptors are in the middle of both sides as they have a percentage of .409. The Sixers recent beat the Bulls 106-94. There were a couple of bright sparks for the Bulls, with five players scoring at least ten points. They were led by Coby White, who finished with 23. Meanwhile, Thaddeus Young, Daniel Theis, Tomas Satoransky and Denzel Valentine also ended with double-digit returns.
Celtics Looking To Avoid Play-In
The Boston Celtics will also be fighting hard in this fixture, as they are looking to avoid getting dragged into a play-in scrap for a place in the playoffs. They are teetering on edge of that at present, as they have the same win percentage as the Miami Heat. Both franchises have win percentages of .530, with the Celtics narrowly above the Heat in the final automatic playoff spot. Boston’s recent form hasn’t been great, as they have won only half of their last ten games. In comparison to the Heat’s recent form, it hasn’t been strong enough. Miami have won seven of their previous ten.
Meanwhile, not side in the top eight of the NBA have won fewer games in their last ten than the Celtics. Boston at least got a win in their most recent game in the NBA, as they were dominant in a 132-96 victory against the Orlando Magic. Kemba Walker scored 32, while Jayson Tatum had 27 in the win. Evan Fournier finished with 18, while Payton Pritchard also had 14.
Bulls vs Celtics Recent Meetings
The Bulls won the last game between the two sides. However, that victory ended a run of three straight wins in this fixture for the Celtics. Boston have also won eight of the previous ten meetings.
Bulls vs Celtics Prediction
This is a huge game in the season for the Bulls and Celtics. Defeat for either could mean disaster. However, the Bulls form is hard to support, so our preference would be for the Celtics, who looked back to somewhere near their best last time out.
