Celtics vs. Bulls prediction, odds, line, spread: 2023 NBA picks, Jan. 9 best bets from proven model
SportsLine's computer model simulated Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics and revealed its best NBA picks today

TD Garden hosts a matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls on Monday evening. The Celtics are 28-12 overall and 15-5 at home this season, and Boston has won the last two games. The Bulls are 19-21 overall following three straight wins, and Chicago is 8-12 on the road. Marcus Smart (knee) is out for Boston, while Javonte Green (knee) is questionable for Chicago.
Caesars Sportsbook lists Boston as an 8.5-point home favorite, and tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The total number of points Vegas thinks will be scored, or the over/under, is 235 in the latest Bulls vs. Celtics odds. Before you make any NBA predictions with the Celtics vs. Bulls match-up, you need to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer simulation model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model enters Week 12 of the 2022-23 NBA season on a stunning 38-13 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning almost $2,300. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Celtics vs. Bulls and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Now, here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Bulls vs. Celtics:
- Bulls vs. Celtics spread: Celtics -8.5
- Bulls vs. Celtics over/under: 235 points
- Bulls vs. Celtics money line: Celtics -355, Bulls +278
- CHI: The Bulls are 10-9-1 against the spread in road games
- BOS: The Celtics are 12-8 against the spread in home games
- Bulls vs. Celtics picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Bulls can cover
Chicago is rolling in recent days, winning three games in a row and scoring well over 1.2 points per possession in those victories. For the season, the Bulls rank in the top six of the NBA in field goal accuracy (49.0%), 3-point accuracy (37.7%) and free throw accuracy (81.7%). Chicago also takes care of the ball, committing only 13.9 turnovers per game, and that allows the Bulls to get shots to the rim to boost overall efficiency.
On defense, the Bulls are fantastic on the glass, securing 73.7% of available defensive rebounds and giving up only 12.6 second-chance points per game. Chicago is in the top 10 of the NBA in fast break points allowed (12.1 per game) and free throw attempts allowed (23.1 per game), and the Bulls create more havoc than an average team. The Bulls force 15.0 turnovers per game this season.
Why the Celtics can cover
Boston is elite on offense, including top-five marks in points per possession, free throw accuracy, and assists. The Celtics also have plenty of star power and the upside to put up massive offensive numbers in any setting. Boston is also excellent on defense, however, with the Celtics giving up only 111.1 points per 100 possessions.
The Celtics lead the NBA in free throw prevention, yielding only 21.0 attempts per game, and Boston also sits atop the league in allowing only 22.5 assists per game. Boston is in the top five in blocked shots (5.4 per game), and the Celtics are excellent on the defensive glass, securing 73.6% of available defensive rebounds. The Celtics keep opponents out of transition with responsible defensive principles, giving up only 12.5 fast break points per game.
How to make Bulls vs. Celtics picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, with 11 players projected to score at least eight points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in 70% of simulations. You can only see the model's pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Celtics vs. Bulls? And which side of the spread hits in 70% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.















