The Boston Celtics (3-2) can send the Chicago Bulls (2-3) on early vacation tonight, April 30, as the Eastern Conference playoffs continue. The Celtics won Game 5 at home, 106-104 (OT), for the third overtime in this best of seven series. NBA oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have the Bulls as -3 point home favs over the Celtics with the over/under listed at 195.5 points. Get your 2009 NBA Playoffs Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Pick in now at SBGglobal.com
The Celtics weren’t supposed to be pushed to the max against the Bulls. After three overtime games, including one that needed two extra periods, and another one that went down to the wire in regulation they want to be over. "We want to be done with this series," Boston's Glen Davis said. In the final minutes of Game 5 Paul Pierce hit the tying jumper with 10 seconds left in regulation. In overtime, he buried his third straight shot over John Salmons – a long jumper – with 3.4 seconds remaining. There was big controversy when Rajon Rondo delivered a vicious blow to the head of Bulls Brad Millerthe league said Rondo won't be penalized. Rondo is averaging 24.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 10.2 assists in what's looking like a star turn for the point guard. And while the "Big Ticket" is seated courtside, "Big Baby" Davis is chipping in 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, while Perkins is adding 13.4 and 11.0, respectively. As a team the Celtics made 42 of 86 (48.8%) from the field, 6 of 16 (37.5%) from the arch and 16 of 24 (66.7%) from the line.
The Bulls loss can be contributed to not double teaming Paul Pierce, who was allowed 26pts. "They've picked us apart a little bit with that on the glass, and he hits some tough fadeaway shots with hands in his face," Del Negro said. "That's what great players do, they make big plays. That's something we'll talk about again, but we've come with double teams, we've come with single teams, we've come off bigs, we've come off littles, and he's seen it all. He's an All-Star player for a reason, so it's a tough set and we just have to fight through." It’s been a tough series with a lot of bumps and bruises. You can bet they aren’t going to let Rondo make it to the basket without getting swatted or even laid out flat. Ben Gordon is averaging 25 ppg, while Derrick Rose is good for 18.4 ppg. As a team the Bulls made 34 of 85 (40%) from the field, 9 of 23 (39.1%) from the arch and 27 of 32 (84.4%) from the line.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.
- Celtics are 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Chicago.
- Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Chicago.
- Celtics are 1-4-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
- Underdog is 5-0-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
- Road team is 4-0-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
- Celtics are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a road underdog of 0.5-4.5.
2009 NBA Playoffs Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls
When: Thurs, April 30, 2009 7:00 PM ET
Line: SBGglobal.com
Pick: Celtics +3
Point-Spreads.com 2009 NBA Playoffs Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls
The Bottom Line: It’s going to be another close game with the Celtics getting the win. Rondo is an animal. Go Celtics! Get your 2009 NBA Playoffs Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Pick in now at SBGglobal.com and receive a 60% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit
