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NBA Playoff Odds: Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics Game 7

Written by Jimmy Boyd

bulls celtics game 7 5109 This series just keeps getting better and better. The Chicago Bulls defeated the Boston Celtics 128-127 in Game 6 in a triple overtime thriller to force a Game 7 back in Boston. Game 6 marked the fourth overtime game in this series and the third straight that needed extra time to be decided. You can catch Game 7 on Saturday, May 2 at 8:00 pm EST on TNT. NBA odds makers like the defending NBA Finals champs to prevail, listing the Boston Celtics as 6.5-point favorites with the total set at 196.5.

The biggest question surrounding the veteran Celtics is if they will be able to bounce back with just one day in between games after such an emotionally and physically draining defeat in Game 6. You have to wonder how Ray Allen will perform, for example, after playing nearly 60 minutes and going off for 51 points in Game 6. As a player who depends heavily on his legs for working hard off the ball and for getting good lift on his jump shots, could he in for a trying Game 7? Another question that arises after a game like that is if Boston’s bench will be up to the task. The starters are going to wear down more quickly and Boston is going to have to find someone who can come in and provide a spark. In Game 6, the Boston bench scored only 11 points, and I’m not sure that will be good enough to get the job done in Game 7. While Boston will have to fight through fatigue, it will have home court on its side, where it was 35-6 during the regular season. This looks like an even bigger advantage when you consider that the Bulls were only 13-28 on the road during the regular season. It took Boston 7 games to defeat the Hawks in the first round of the 2008 NBA Playoffs, and if you like Bean Town to prevail again and cover the number in the process, bet the Celtics at -6.5 at Bookmaker.

The young Bulls have exceeded the expectations of some in this series, but I knew we were in for a battle when the news hit that Kevin Garnett would not play. Chicago has used its athleticism and energy to force a Game 7, and now we will see if it has what it takes to pull off the upset. Ben Gordon and Derrick Rose have been brilliant for the Bulls throughout this series, but John Salmons proved he was capable of going off in Game 6, scoring 35 points to help Chicago stay alive. I know this game is in Boston, but the Bulls are going to have to try to control the tempo, making it a fast paced game. I expect the Celtics to try to play a half court style to save their legs, and the Bulls should be able to take advantage by turning this one into a track meet. Easier said than done as the home team is usually able to control the tempo, but this strategy gives Chicago the best chance to pull off the upset. If you think Chicago will take Boston down to the wire again, bet the Bulls at +6.5 at Bookmaker.

Make sure you see which team Jimmy has made his NBA picks on before doing any NBA betting on this game.

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