Celtics-Bulls: NBA Odds and Picks, April 23, 2009

Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls u201.0 (-110)

Thu April 23rd 2009 8:05p - NBA Basketball Odds
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Boston really has to feel fortunate that they was able to come out of Game Two with the victory. If not for Ray Allen’s second-half efforts, theyd be venturing into hostile waters in a big hole.

It really has been unbelievable how easily the Bulls have been able to carve their defense up throughout the first two games of this series. I know KG is the defensive court general, but come on! They’ve given up a total of 220 points throughout the first two games, and that’s something that shouldn’t have sat well with head coach Doc Rivers.

Everything in the papers has stated how Boston plans to be more physical with the Bulls in the United Center. Boston’s defense really stepped it up on the road this season, evidenced by the fact that the ‘under’ went a money-making 26-15 ATS in their 41 lined games.

As for Chicago, it has to be feeling really good about itself right about now. They were a clutch shot from Allen away from shocking the defending champs, and now get to play the next two in their own house. Chicago went a solid 28-13 SU and 22-19 ATS at home throughout the regular season, so the chance of them securing the win in Game Three looks really good.

The guard tandem of Ben Gordon and Derrick Rose has been sensational thus far, with Rose tallying 36 points in Game One and Gordon exploding for 42 in Game Two. The Bulls will need another solid outing from at least one of those two to keep the pressure on what’s been a very porous Boston defense.

Boston knows it’s not going to win this series if it continues to falter on the defensive end of the court. While the over is 4-0 ATS in each of the last four meetings between these teams, the under is 5-1 ATS in the last six times they’ve squared off in the United Center.

These clubs have both stated they’ll look to be more physical now—okay then, show me!