Bryan Armetta shares his preview, prediction and pick for Wednesday’s game between the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls.

Currently sitting at second in the Eastern Conference, it’s been a terrific 2025-26 campaign for the Celtics. Boston, 34-19, has its eyes set on another NBA Finals berth, even with Jayson Tatum sidelined. Therefore, it’s no shock the C’s were aggressive during last week’s trade deadline. Their biggest move was bringing in former Bulls center Nikola Vucevic. Now, the two-time All-Star hopes to earn a victory during his return to Chicago.

The Celtics are 13.5-point favorites (-102) over the Bulls on DraftKings Sportsbook. Boston is favored at -700 on the moneyline. The total for this contest is set at 225.5 points. Here’s my preview, prediction, and pick for Wednesday’s Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls matchup.

Celtics vs. Bulls prediction, preview

It’s a fairly clean bill of health for the visitors tonight. That means another heavy dose of Jaylen Brown is to be expected. This season, without Tatum, the forward has stepped up as Boston’s top option. Through 48 games, he’s averaging 29.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists while playing solid defense. That level of two-way production has set the tone for the rest of this roster. The Celtics are allowing 108.4 points per game to their opponents, the second-lowest mark in basketball.

With that being said, it’s taken a group effort for the C’s to get to this point. Head coach Joe Mazzulla has a deep, experienced roster at his disposal. The team’s biggest weakness entering the offseason, center, has turned into something of a strength. Starter Neemias Queta has impressed, while the newly acquired Vucevic offers a boost in scoring and rebounding. At guard, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard form a potent backcourt. On the wings, backup Baylor Scheierman has emerged as a difference maker. Overall, Boston’s +7.0 net rating is currently the NBA’s third-best mark.

For the home team, it’s been another middling, play-in caliber season. However, the Bulls were a busy seller at the deadline. Vucevic, Coby White, Kevin Huerter, and Ayo Dosunmu were the most notable names departing the Windy City. Ultimately, the goal is for Chicago to earn better draft lottery position, both this season and going forward. The team looks even more feeble this evening, with leading scorer Josh Giddey (hamstring) listed as doubtful. That leaves new additions Jaden Ivey and Anfernee Simons in control of the backcourt. For the latter, a piece in the Vucevic trade, this is an opportunity to exact revenge on Boston.

Scoring points hasn’t been an issue for the Bulls this season. They are averaging the NBA’s 11th-most points per game (117.0) while operating at the association’s fifth-quickest pace (101.6). It’s been a much different story on the other end of the floor. Chicago’s 118.2 defensive rating is the sixth-worst mark in basketball. Looking over the team’s projected rotation tonight, it’s difficult to see much opposition on defense. In addition to Giddey, starting center Jalen Smith (calf) is expected to sit. That leaves the paint even more vulnerable than usual in this one.

Celtics vs. Bulls pick, best bet

As previously mentioned, Chicago operates at a blistering tempo on offense. The opposite is true for the Celtics, owners of the NBA’s slowest pace (95.1). In this clash of styles, the more talented team likely wins out. Boston, as away favorites, has gone 11-6-0 ATS towards the under. The Bulls, without Giddey and Smith, are operating at less than 100% on offense, as well. Points could be at a premium during Wednesday’s matchup.

Best Bet: Celtics vs. Bulls under 225.5 points (-110)