"Boston" - "Chicago". NBA match forecast
On December 20, Boston will host Chicago in the next round of the NBA regular championship. The Celts continue to pursue the leaders of the Eastern Conference, and the Bulls are trying to stay in the top ten. Will the guests be able to put up a fight with one of the favorites of the season? - read our forecast

Command Analysis

Boston Celtics

Current form
The current NBA champion remains among the leaders of the Eastern Conference, chasing Cleveland. The team is in excellent shape, which is confirmed by the latest matches. After the defeat to Memphis (121:127), Boston won two confident victories, beating Detroit (123:99) and Washington (112:98).
Team leaders Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continue to score consistently, and the team’s chemistry is at its highest level. The next home game against Chicago gives the Celtics a chance to extend their winning streak. Given their current form and the support of the stands, Boston looks like a clear favorite in the match.
Disqualifications and injuries
The team will take to the court with its optimal lineup.
Interesting facts for betting
The Celtics have 11 home wins this season.
Probable lineup: White - Holiday, Porzingis - Brown, Tatum.

Chicago Bulls

Current form
The Bulls are trying to secure a place in the Eastern Conference top ten, showing improvement in recent games. The team managed to defeat Charlotte (109:95) and Toronto (122:121), breaking away from their closest pursuers. The team leaders, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, continue to consistently score points, which gives the team the opportunity to fight for higher places.
However, the Bulls' consistency leaves much to be desired. The away game against Boston will be a serious test, where the visitors will have to make every effort to maintain their chances of success.
Disqualifications and injuries
Zach LaVine will be out with a back injury.
Interesting facts for betting
The Bulls have won 3 of their last 5 road games.
Probable lineup: White - Giddy, Vucevic - Williams, Dosunmu.
Trends
Bet 1st quarter. Boston win
The Celtics have won in the first quarter in three of their last five head-to-head games.
1.35Bet 1st quarter: total under 61.5 points
Only 2 of the 5 head-to-head games saw more than 61 points scored in the first quarter.
1.88Tip and bets
It will be difficult for Chicago to compete with such a strong opponent as Boston. The Celtics are in great shape, and their key players are in excellent physical condition. Playing at home and the support of the stands add confidence to the hosts.
The Bulls, despite their recent success, look like a clear underdog. In their last head-to-head encounters, they have been unable to beat Boston for a long time, and this match is unlikely to be an exception. We expect a confident victory for the hosts.
Our prediction is a Boston victory with a handicap of (-13) points at 1.73
Bet on total
Boston won't have to work too hard to get the result they want. The team has consistently shown a high level of play in defense, which could create problems for Chicago attacks. We expect the match to be played with a low total.
Forecast - total under 245.5 points for 1.78
Bet on statistics
The Bulls are unlikely to show their full potential against Boston competent defense. Zach LaVine is injured, so their scoring has dropped in recent games. The visitors are unlikely to break a high individual total.
Forecast - Chicago individual total under 115.5 points for 1.79