Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Monday January 5 2026
Monday evening on the NBA hardwood, and we have a Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics prediction locked and loaded for you. The Bulls enter this game off a 112-99 home loss to Charlotte to fall to 17-18 on the year. The Celtics enter this contest off a 146-115 road win over the Clippers, which now puts them at 22-12 on the year. These teams met here in December, and the Sixers won that game 116-107. Boston has won seven of the last eight in this series. Read on to see our Bulls vs Celtics prediction.
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Bulls Struggle To Generate Offense Against The Hornets
Chicago heads to Boston on Monday after a frustrating 112–99 home loss to Charlotte, looking to reset against one of the East’s elite. The Bulls had control early against the Hornets, leading by 15 in the first half, but a disastrous third quarter flipped the game. Charlotte outscored Chicago 32–17 in that stretch, and the Bulls shot just 21.7% from the field while getting beaten 52–43 on the glass. Nikola Vucevic was the lone bright spot with 28 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, while rookie Matas Buzelis added 17. Ayo Dosunmu chipped in 16, including a half‑court buzzer‑beater, but Chicago’s backcourt depth was thin with Josh Giddey and Coby White sidelined by injuries. They could also be without Jalen Smith, who left the last game with a concussion. The Hornets closed the door with a 10–0 run in the fourth, handing the Bulls their first loss after a 7–2 stretch.
For the season, Chicago sits middle of the pack offensively at 118.3 points per game (14th), shooting 47.4% from the field (12th) and 36% from three (16th), while ranking top‑10 in rebounding at 45.6 per game. Defensively, though, they’ve struggled, allowing 121.8 points (25th) and opponents hitting 47.6% overall (22nd) and 36.6% from deep (21st). Against Boston, the keys are clear: they need Vucevic to anchor the offense inside, Buzelis and Dosunmu to provide perimeter scoring, and the team as a whole to protect the glass against a Celtics squad that punishes second‑chance opportunities. Chicago can score with anyone, but if they don’t tighten up defensively and limit Boston’s three‑point looks, the margin for error shrinks quickly. Playing disciplined, valuing possessions, and finding balance beyond Vucevic will be critical if they want to hang in against one of the league’s most efficient two‑way teams.
Boston Finishes Road Trip With Easy Win Over The Clippers
The Celtics return home Monday against Chicago riding momentum from a dominant 146–115 win over the Clippers, capping a 4–1 West Coast trip and extending their run to seven wins in their last eight. Jaylen Brown was the star in Los Angeles, matching his career high with 50 points on 18‑of‑26 shooting, including 19 in the third quarter to break the game open. Derrick White added 29 and Anfernee Simons chipped in 15, as Boston shot 55.2% overall and 47.1% from three, burying the Clippers with relentless pace and perimeter firepower. It was the kind of performance that underscored how dangerous this team looks when Brown is in rhythm and the supporting cast spaces the floor. The Celtics closed the trip 4–1, beating three Western Conference playoff contenders, and now return to TD Garden with confidence and rhythm firmly on their side.
For the season, Boston ranks among the league’s elite offensively, averaging 121.4 points per game (3rd) while shooting 47.6% from the field (10th) and 36.7% from three (7th). They rebound well at 45.1 per game (10th) and knock down free throws at nearly 79%, giving them balance across all phases. Defensively, they allow 114.1 points (7th) and hold opponents to 45.1% shooting (3rd), though their perimeter defense has been shakier at 37% allowed from deep (22nd). Against the Bulls, the keys are straightforward: keep Brown aggressive, continue to spread the floor with White and Simons, and control the glass to limit Chicago’s second‑chance looks. The Celtics have been thriving by dictating tempo and punishing teams with efficient shot selection; if they maintain that formula and avoid lapses defending the arc, they should be well‑positioned to extend their hot streak at home.
Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics Pick
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  The Insiders Room | +1,793.00 |
| 2 |  Tony Karpinski | +1,731.00 |
| 3 |  Jesse Schule | +1,599.00 |
| 4 |  Rob Vinciletti | +1,284.00 |
| 5 |  David Delano | +1,232.00 |
Bulls vs Celtics Spread Pick
- Boston -11 (4 Units)
Laying the -11 with Boston feels justified given the way they’re playing and the spot they’re in. The Celtics just wrapped up a 4–1 West Coast trip with a 146–115 demolition of the Clippers, and they’ve now won seven of their last eight overall. Jaylen Brown is coming off a 50‑point masterpiece, Derrick White continues to provide steady secondary scoring, and the team’s balance on both ends has been sharp — top‑three in scoring at 121.4 points per game while holding opponents to 45.1% shooting, third‑best in the league. Chicago, meanwhile, is coming off a deflating home loss to Charlotte where they blew a double‑digit lead and showed their defensive flaws, allowing 121.8 points per game on the season. With Boston returning home rested, in rhythm, and firing on all cylinders, the Celtics have the firepower and defensive discipline to stretch this margin and cover the double‑digit number.
Bulls vs Celtics Over/Under Pick
- Under 235 (5 Units)
The Under 235 makes sense here because Boston’s defensive profile and the scheduling spot both point toward a slower, more controlled game. The Celtics are top‑three in opponent field‑goal percentage at 45.1%, and they’ve been winning with disciplined half‑court defense rather than pace. Coming off a long West Coast trip, it’s natural to expect them to lean on their defense and avoid turning this into a track meet. Chicago, meanwhile, just scored 99 in a home loss to Charlotte and has been inconsistent offensively, while also allowing 121.8 points per game on the season. Put those factors together — Boston’s ability to dictate tempo, the Bulls’ tendency to stall against strong defenses, and the fatigue angle for the Celtics — and it’s hard to see this total climbing into the mid‑230s without an outlier shooting night.
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