The new-look Chicago Bulls traded hometown star Derrick Rose to the Knicks this offseason and then brought in a new one as Dwyane Wade came over from the Heat. The Bulls hope that addition and others will help re-establish them in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference.
That journey begins in the season opener with a tough matchup against a talented Boston Celtics squad. Even though Boston is on the road, it could be a slight favorite based on last year’s impressive run.
Don't miss the hardwood action from the United Center at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 27, 2016. Catch every moment of the game live on TNT. We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Wednesday schedule.
Odds Analysis
The Celtics are the favorites to win the Atlantic Division at -110 after going 48-34 a season ago and adding power forward Al Horford to the mix. While the Cleveland Cavaliers are the clear favorites once again in the East, Boston would love to establish itself as a true adversary.
The Bulls won 42 games a season ago, but the oddsmakers believe the departures of Rose and Joakim Noah will hurt the team more than the additions of Wade, Rajon Rondo and Michael Carter-Williams help. The team’s projected win total is only 39.5 as Chicago is looked at as a borderline playoff contender.
Player to Watch
Wade — The 2016 is a new era for the 12-time NBA All Star as the former Miami Heat superstar makes his debut with Chicago. Wade won three championships with the Heat and now brings that star power to Bulls this year, joining Jimmy Butler as the top scorers.
Wade averaged 19 points last season with Miami, his 13th year in the league, but clearly is on the downside of his career. When healthy, Wade is still a capable player, but he’s no longer the force he was in his prime.
While injury concerns could be an issue down the road, Wade is playing his first game with his new team and it’s at home. It’s likely he comes out and has a big-time performance, which may not be sustainable but will give the fans something to cheer about.
Travel Watch
Even though this is just the second regular season game of the season, it’s not an easy set-up for the Celtics. They will face off against the Brooklyn Nets to open the year at home on Wednesday before playing in Chicago the next night.
Boston won’t be worn down this early in the season, but the tough travel could lead to some weariness. It’s something to definitely keep in mind, as any little edge could mean the difference when it comes to the spread and the moneyline.
Boston has another road game two nights later in Charlotte, so it’s a rough opening stretch in terms of scheduling.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Celtics are the more talented team, and return a young and talented core which is looking to take another step forward. The addition of Horford is key, and this is a group which should eventually rise to among the best in the East.
However, for one night at least, it will be the Bulls who emerge victorious. This will be the team’s home opener and its first game of the season. Chicago should be raring to go, and players like Wade and Rondo will look to make a good first impression.
Don’t expect this one to have a lot of scoring, as the Bulls are known for their defense and could force the Celtics into a slower game. It will take a lot of things coming together for Chicago to move back among the East’s elite, but this will be a good start as the Bulls should pull out the win at home.
NBA Odds: Chicago Bulls 97, Boston Celtics 93
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
