The Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls' first matchup of 2016 is tonight, and it'll be a nationally televised game. You don't want to miss the action, so all of the info you need for the game -- including the live stream link, TV schedule, betting line, a preview and prediction -- are below.
Game Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
National TV Channel: TNT
Local TV Channels: Sportsnet One and CSN-Chicago
Live Stream Link: NBA on TNT
Free Streaming: Stream2U
Betting Line: -6 CHI; 204.5 O/U
A lot has changed since the last time the Bulls and Celtics played, and that was only about a month ago.
Chicago has seemingly found its stride finally after having a barrage of struggles in the first two months of the season. One of their lowest points was back in December against these Celtics, as they had a double-digit lead and let it slip away in the fourth quarter, ultimately losing 105-100. In that game, the Bulls turned over the ball 16 times and shot well under their season averages, not only from the field but at the free-throw line as well.
Boston was unafraid of the Bulls, and have no reason to be afraid now either. They're a great road team and it's because of their youth and affinity for great defensive play.
That said, these two teams are on different trajectories at this specific time. The Bulls have won five in a row and are playing some fantastic basketball, led by Jimmy Butler, who's scored 31.3 points per game in the past four contests. The Celtics, meanwhile, have lost three of four, and will be without Avery Bradley once again, who has a hip injury.
It'll be a test of two great defensive teams, but with the way Chicago's offense has picked it up recently, I expect them to run away with this one, getting revenge for last time out.
Prediction: Bulls 107, Celtics 98
