Chicago will aim to extend the series when it returns home for Game 6, but it won’t be easy against top-seeded Boston. Even though the Bulls have lost three straight, they are a tough out and should not be too big of underdogs in this matchup.
Boston is the superior team but it could be tough closing this one out on the road in front of an energetic Bulls crowd. Chicago would love to return to Boston for a Game 7 to get a shot at pulling the series upset which looked more likely a week ago.
This war on the floor will go down Friday, April 28, 2017, at 8 p.m. ET at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The game will be televised live on ESPN.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Friday schedule.
NBA Odds
The Celtics were 7.5-point favorites in Game 5 and were able to cover that with the 108-97 victory. The scoring total was set at 205.5 and that number was surpassed with a couple minutes remaining in the contest.
Boston is 56-31 straight up and 44-42-1 against the spread. The Celtics have gone an impressive 26-16-1 against the spread and are 33-33 against the spread as the favorite. Boston seems likely to be a small favorite in Game 5.
The Bulls are 43-44 straight up and 44-43 against the spread. Chicago has covered in 21 of 43 attempts as the home team on the season. The Bulls are an impressive 29-20 against the spread as the underdog.
Last Time Out
Avery Bradley had a big game with 24 points on 11-of-19 shooting while adding six rebounds to help the Celtics pull away from the Bulls. Isaiah Thomas is the team’s big scorer and he also had 24, but if Boston can get that type of production from someone else they will always be in pretty good shape.
Al Horford added 21 points as Boston was able to score well against a tough defensive team. The Bulls were led by Dwyane Wade, who had 26 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. Jimmy Butler struggled for Chicago, finishing with only 14 points on 6-of-15 shooting.
Chicago’s stars needed to play like it on the road against the Celtics, and while Wade did so, Butler had an off night, which doomed the Bulls.
Injury Report
Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo has missed the past two games after breaking his thumb in Game 3. He was an integral part of the first two upsets in Boston, averaging 11.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists.
Rondo was initially ruled out for the series but recently got his cast off and tried to play in Game 5. After testing the thumb before the game, he was ruled out, and while coach Fred Hoiberg hasn’t dismissed the idea of him returning, it seems like a longshot.
Even if Rondo can play in Game 6, he will be severely hampered and may not be effective. The injury has been a critical blow to a Bulls team which is missing his playmaking ability and experience.
Free NBA ATS Pick
The Celtics are the better team and should win this series, but the Bulls are going to make them earn it. Butler and Wade should have big games next time out as they don’t want to let down the home crowd.
While the Celtics should be able to keep this one close, take the Bulls to win the game and cover the spread. Chicago is not your typical No. 8 seed as it has a star in Butler and plays some solid defense.
The Bulls can’t be feeling good after blowing a 2-0 lead but will be able to rally to pick up this victory for a deciding game back in Boston.
NBA Odds: Bulls 99, Celtics 94
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