Game Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Location: United Center, Chicago
TV: NBC Sports, CHSN
Spread: Bulls -1.5
Total: 230.5 points
Alright Bulls fans, this is it. This is the kind of opportunity we NEED to capitalize on.
We’re 22-22, finally back at .500 after that huge win over Minnesota. We’re on a FOUR-game home winning streak at the United Center. And we’re hosting the Boston Celtics, who are 28-16 and coming off a brutal double-overtime game against Brooklyn last night.
The Celtics just played 58 minutes of basketball less than 24 hours ago. They’re exhausted. They’re on the second night of a back-to-back. And we’re favored by 1.5 points at home.
If there’s ever a time to beat the Celtics, it’s tonight. But this is the Bulls, so nothing is guaranteed.
Current Records: We’re Even, They’re Better (But Tired)
Bulls: 22-22 (on a 4-game home win streak)
Celtics: 28-16 (played double OT last night in Brooklyn)
Let’s be real—the Celtics are better than us. They’re 28-16, they’re third in the East, and they’ve got two All-Stars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. On a neutral court with both teams fresh, Boston wins 7 times out of 10.
But this isn’t a neutral court with both teams fresh.
We’re at home, riding a four-game home win streak, and feeling good about ourselves. Boston just played 58 MINUTES against Brooklyn in a double-overtime thriller. Payton Pritchard scored 32, which was incredible, but that also means their guys logged heavy minutes and are running on fumes.
This is the exact kind of scheduling spot we need to take advantage of. If we can’t beat a tired Celtics team at home, we don’t deserve to make the playoffs.
Why This Is Our Best Chance To Beat Boston
1. They Played Double Overtime Last Night
Fifty-eight minutes of basketball. That’s exhausting. Guys are sore, legs are heavy, and nobody wants to play again 24 hours later.
The Celtics won that game, which is great for them, but it came at a cost. They’re running on fumes tonight.
2. We’re Rested and Rolling
We just beat Minnesota at home and are riding high. We’ve won four straight at the United Center. Our guys are fresh, confident, and playing good basketball.
Fresh legs vs tired legs. That’s a massive advantage.
3. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Played Heavy Minutes
Both of Boston’s stars logged big minutes in that double-OT game. They’re not going to be at 100% tonight, which means we have a legitimate shot to slow them down.
If Tatum and Brown are even slightly off, we can win this game.
4. We Can Control The Pace
The Celtics want to play fast and get out in transition when they’re fresh. But on the second night of a back-to-back? They’re going to want to slow it down and conserve energy.
We can push the pace, attack in transition, and force them to run when they don’t want to. That’s how we win.
5. Dominate The Boards
Boston is vulnerable on the glass, especially when they’re tired. Andre Drummond and Nikola Vučević need to attack the boards and get us second-chance opportunities.
If we win the rebounding battle by 8-10 boards, we’re in great shape.
Why The Celtics Are Still Dangerous
Let’s not get overconfident. Boston is 28-16 for a reason:
1. They Just Won A Double-OT Game
Tired teams sometimes play with extra motivation after grinding out a tough win. Boston might be fatigued, but they’re also riding momentum.
2. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Are Elite
Even at 80%, Tatum and Brown are better than most of our guys at 100%. They can take over games when needed.
If both stars get hot, fatigue won’t matter.
3. Their Bench Is Deep
Payton Pritchard just dropped 32 off the bench. Sam Hauser can hit threes. Boston’s second unit is capable of carrying them when the starters rest.
4. They’re Experienced In These Spots
The Celtics know how to win on back-to-backs. They’ve got veterans who know how to manage fatigue and still execute.
We can’t assume they’ll just roll over because they’re tired.
The Key Matchups That’ll Decide This Game
DeMar DeRozan vs Jayson Tatum
Our veteran scorer against their All-Star wing. This matchup will set the tone.
DeMar’s mid-range game vs Tatum’s three-level scoring. If DeMar can get 26-28 points efficiently, we’re in control. If Tatum explodes for 35+ despite being tired, we’re in trouble.
Edge: Slight edge to DeMar if Tatum is fatigued.
Zach LaVine vs Jaylen Brown
Both explosive athletes who can score in bunches. But Brown played heavy minutes last night, and Zach is fresh.
If Zach can attack Brown relentlessly and make him work on both ends, we can wear him down.
Edge: Zach with fresh legs.
Our Bigs vs Kristaps Porziņģis
Drummond and Vooch need to dominate the paint against KP. Porziņģis is a great shot-blocker and floor-spacer, but he’s not a dominant rebounder.
If we control the glass and limit Boston’s second-chance points, we win.
Edge: Our bigs if they’re aggressive.
My Prediction: We Win A Close One
This is the perfect storm for us. We’re at home. We’re rested. Boston is exhausted from double overtime. We’re riding a four-game home win streak.
If we execute, we should win this game.
Final Score: Bulls 117, Celtics 113
We win by 4, we cover the -1.5, and the over probably hits because both teams can score. DeMar gets 27, Zach adds 24, and we grind out a huge home victory.
This is the kind of win that proves we’re a playoff team.
Betting Picks
Best Bet: Bulls -1.5 ✓✓✓
They played double OT last night. We’re rested at home. Take the Bulls.
Strong Lean: Over 230.5 ✓✓
Both teams can score. Even tired, Boston will put up points.
Player Prop: DeMar DeRozan Over 25.5 Points ✓✓
DeMar at home against a tired defense? Cash it.
Player Prop: Jayson Tatum Under 28.5 Points
He played heavy minutes last night. His legs won’t be there.
Keys To Victory
For the Bulls to win:
- Push the pace and make Boston run
- Win the rebounding battle by 8-10 boards
- DeMar and Zach combine for 50+ points
- Force 14+ turnovers
- Limit Tatum and Brown to under 50 combined
What kills us:
- We start slow and let Boston jump out early
- Tatum and Brown combine for 60+ despite fatigue
- Payton Pritchard gets hot again (another 30-point game)
- We turn the ball over 16+ times
- Boston hits 18+ threes
The Honest Bulls Fan Take
This is a MUST-WIN game. Not “should win”—MUST WIN.
We’re at home. We’re rested. Boston played double overtime less than 24 hours ago. We’re riding a four-game home win streak. We’re favored by 1.5 points.
There is no excuse for losing this game. None.
If we can’t beat a tired Celtics team at home, we’re not a playoff team. We’re just a mediocre squad that can’t capitalize on opportunities.
But I believe in this team right now. We’re playing good basketball. DeMar and Zach are both scoring. Our bench has been solid. And we’re at home where we’ve been excellent lately.
This is our chance to make a statement. Beat Boston. Get to 23-22. Prove we belong in the playoff conversation.
Bulls 117, Celtics 113. Book it. And let’s not screw this up.
Go Bulls. Beat the Celtics. Capitalize on this opportunity.
Game Info Summary
- When: Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Where: United Center, Chicago
- TV: NBC Sports, CHSN
- Records: Bulls 22-22, Celtics 28-16
- Spread: Bulls -1.5
- Total: 230.5 points
Bulls’ advantages:
- 4-game home win streak
- Fresh legs vs tired Celtics
- Just beat Minnesota to get to .500
- Andre Drummond and Vooch can dominate boards
Celtics’ challenges:
- Played 58 minutes (double OT) last night
- Second night of back-to-back
- Tatum and Brown logged heavy minutes
- Vulnerable on glass when tired
Key matchups:
- DeMar vs Tatum
- Zach vs Brown (fresh vs tired)
- Our bigs vs Porziņģis on the boards
Key stat: Celtics played double OT less than 24 hours ago
Final picks:
- Bulls -1.5 (lock it in)
- Over 230.5 (both teams score)
- DeMar Over 25.5 points
- Tatum Under 28.5 points (fatigue factor)
Bottom line: We’re rested, they’re exhausted. No excuses. Win this game.
Go Bulls. Make a statement. Beat Boston at home.