Chicago heads to Boston on Monday with an uncomfortable combination of poor outside shooting and defensive problems. Tipoff at TD Garden is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Boston has had additional preparation time after Friday’s win over New York. The Celtics are my projected winner, but the large spread creates a different decision. Our selections are Chicago +14.5 and Under 233.5.
See all of Monday’s selections on our NBA picks and predictions page.
Bulls vs Celtics Game Information
| Game Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics |
| Date | Monday, October 26, 2026 |
| Tipoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| Arena | TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts |
| Spread used | Chicago +14.5 |
| Total used | 233.5 |
Chicago Needs Better Possessions at Both Ends
Chicago is 1-2 and 1-1 away after Saturday’s 124-120 loss to Washington. The Bulls have scored 132 and 120 in their last two games, but their opening defeat in Toronto remains a reminder of how quickly a game can get away from them.
The Bulls are averaging 114.7 points and allowing 128.0. Their 22.6% three-point shooting through three games makes those defensive results especially difficult to overcome. Chicago needs to improve the quality of its attempts without becoming hesitant about open shots. More importantly, missed jumpers cannot be followed by slow defensive recovery.
Caleb Wilson produced 30 points and 14 rebounds against Washington, while Matas Buzelis added 21 points. Josh Giddey delivered 10 assists, giving Chicago another way to create offense beyond outside shooting. Nic Claxton’s hamstring absence affects the interior rotation, while Patrick Williams and Noa Essengue also appeared in recent injury listings.
Boston Has the Better Foundation, but the Margin Matters
Boston is 1-1 and 1-0 at home after beating New York 107-103 on Friday. The Celtics have had two days without a game. That creates a favorable situation against Chicago, although it does not automatically mean a comfortable cover at this price.
The Celtics have averaged 110.0 points while allowing 112.0. Their latest defensive performance was better than the opener, and Monday offers an opportunity to keep building that consistency. Boston should make Chicago execute against a set defense rather than provide easy baskets through turnovers or missed rebounding assignments.
Jayson Tatum scored 36 points with nine rebounds and seven assists against New York. Neemias Queta contributed 15 points, six rebounds and three blocks off the bench. Those performances gave Boston both scoring and interior support. Devin Carter appeared in the recent injury listing with an illness; his final status should be checked rather than carried forward automatically.
Bulls vs Celtics Statistical Comparison
Statistics through October 25: Chicago three games, Boston two.
| Category | Chicago | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 1-2 | 1-1 |
| Relevant venue record | 1-1 away | 1-0 home |
| Points per game | 114.7 | 110.0 |
| Points allowed per game | 128.0 | 112.0 |
| Latest result | Lost 124-120 vs Washington | Won 107-103 vs New York |
Key Matchups
| Matchup | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Chicago’s shot selection vs Boston’s perimeter defense | Repeated difficult attempts would make the large spread easier to cover. |
| Tatum’s creation vs Chicago’s help defense | Defensive breakdowns could give Boston efficient scoring throughout. |
| Defensive rebounding | The Bulls need to avoid giving away additional possessions. |
Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics Picks and Predictions
Spread Pick: Chicago Bulls +14.5
I’m taking Chicago +14.5 while projecting Boston to win. The Bulls’ defense is a serious concern, but they have generated substantial offense in consecutive games despite their poor three-point shooting. That gives them a plausible route to remaining within a large number. Boston’s preparation advantage and Tatum’s latest performance are strong arguments against the pick. Chicago cannot survive another series of defensive breakdowns and expect the points to rescue it. My projection is Celtics 120, Bulls 110. The extra point at +14.5 matters compared with +13.5.
Total Pick: Under 233.5
I lean under because Boston has a credible way to make Chicago’s offense less comfortable than Washington or Milwaukee did. The Celtics do not need to turn this into a race to take control. Chicago’s defense is the obvious threat: if Boston reaches the mid-120s without much resistance, the under becomes difficult even with an ordinary Bulls performance. My projection totals 230, so this is a small preference. I am relying on Boston’s defensive organization, not assuming Chicago’s early shooting percentage will remain that low indefinitely.
Final Prediction
| Selection | Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline winner | Boston Celtics |
| ATS | Chicago +14.5 |
| Total | Under 233.5 |
| Projected score | Boston 120, Chicago 110 |
| Preferred selection | Chicago +14.5 |
Final Picks: Chicago Bulls +14.5 and Under 233.5.
Prepared October 26, 2026. Lines and availability may change. Statistical comparisons use two- and three-game samples.