NBA Eastern Conference Preview: Celtics vs Bulls

(photo credit: hardwoodhoudini.com)

Just as we all thought. Boston and Chicago battling in the 1/8 matchup. We all had the Isaiah Thomas led Celtics edging out the Cavaliers for the one-seed and the Jimmy Butler, Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo Bulls needing game 82 to edge out the Heat for the last playoff spot. So we’re all on the same page, good.

The battle between maybe the two most storied franchises in the history of the NBA should provide a fair mount of intrigue. One vs. eight matchups have been traditionally been blowouts, especially in recent seasons. However, this matchup is not as open and shut as recent matchups.

Three of the four games this season between Boston and Chicago were decided by seven points or fewer, with the Bulls winning both of their home games verse the Celtics. Taj Gibson and Robin Lopez bode well for Chicago having success inside and on the boards, while Rondo, Wade and Butler are all experienced ball handlers that can take over a game in unique ways.

The biggest obstacle for the Bulls will be stopping Thomas, who is having a career year. In a season that has showcased some of the most ridiculous numbers of most of our lifetimes, and performances that will be etched in the record books, Thomas has still garnered some MVP buzz for his 4^th quarter pizazz and leading Boston to the top seed in the East.

According to ESPN BPI, Boston has a 72 percent chance to win the series, which is surprisingly just five percent higher than the fourth seeded Wizards to win their first round matchup. However, because of Thomas and head coach Brad Stevens, our prediction is that Boston will prevail in five games, but expect five close games.