Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics Predictions, Picks, Odds, and Line Movement for January 5 2026
Bulls vs Celtics picks take center stage in this Eastern Conference matchup as Chicago heads back on the road to face a Boston team that has been rolling. With market movement, recent form, and tempo all pointing in a clear direction, I am breaking down this game strictly through a statistical and betting lens to help readers stay sharp while following today’s NBA picks.
TLDR - Picks and Prediction
- Spread Pick: Boston -11.5
- Total Pick: Under 234
- Projected Final Score: Boston 118, Chicago 104
Stats to Know and Betting Trends for Bulls vs Celtics
- Boston has won seven of the last eight meetings against Chicago.
- Each of the last three meetings between these teams has stayed under the total.
- Boston is 7-1 straight-up and against the spread over its last eight games.
- Five of Chicago’s last seven games have gone under the total.
- The last three head-to-head meetings have stayed under the total by an average of 14.3 points.
Odds and Line Movement
Current Odds
| Market | Chicago | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +11.5 (-114) | -11.5 (-106) |
| Total | Over 234 (-114) | Under 234 (-106) |
Line Movement - Spread
| Date | Time | Chicago | Boston |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/04 | 06:34:52 PM | +12 (-110) | -12 (-110) |
| 01/04 | 06:48:30 PM | +11 (-110) | -11 (-110) |
| 01/04 | 06:48:41 PM | +11.5 (-114) | -11.5 (-106) |
| 01/04 | 06:53:39 PM | +11 (-114) | -11 (-106) |
| 01/04 | 06:54:55 PM | +11 (-114) | -11 (-106) |
| 01/04 | 06:58:03 PM | +10.5 (-110) | -10.5 (-110) |
| 01/04 | 08:52:12 PM | +11.5 (-110) | -11.5 (-110) |
| 01/04 | 08:52:32 PM | +11.5 (-112) | -11.5 (-108) |
| 01/04 | 09:58:01 PM | +11.5 (-112) | -11.5 (-108) |
| 01/04 | 09:58:08 PM | +11.5 (-112) | -11.5 (-108) |
| 01/04 | 10:28:49 PM | +11 (-112) | -11 (-108) |
| 01/05 | 06:09:24 AM | +11.5 (-114) | -11.5 (-106) |
Line Movement - Total
| Date | Time | Over | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/04 | 06:34:52 PM | 235 (-110) | 235 (-110) |
| 01/04 | 07:29:57 PM | 236 (-110) | 236 (-110) |
| 01/04 | 07:31:54 PM | 236 (-114) | 236 (-106) |
| 01/04 | 09:58:04 PM | 235 (-106) | 235 (-114) |
| 01/04 | 10:06:14 PM | 234 (-114) | 234 (-106) |
Chicago vs Boston Game Preview and Analysis
This is the first meeting of the season between these teams, and the situational setup favors a slower, more controlled game. Boston returns home after a successful five-game West Coast trip that ended with double-digit wins over Utah, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. While the offense was explosive on Saturday, this team has consistently shown a willingness to dictate pace.
The Celtics are playing at the slowest pace in the league this season, and that is a key factor in this handicap. Jaylen Brown erupted for 50 points on just 26 shot attempts against the Clippers, but I am not projecting another offensive outlier here. Boston can score efficiently without pushing tempo, which keeps margin control and unders in play.
Chicago is playing its first road game since December 23 after finishing a six-game homestand at .500 straight-up and against the spread. The Bulls ended that stretch with a 13-point loss at home to Charlotte and continue to struggle with offensive organization. With limited playmaking at the guard spot, Chicago has shown long scoring droughts that are difficult to overcome against disciplined defenses.
Key Injuries and Notes - CHI vs BOS
- Chicago: Coby White is questionable.
- Chicago: Trentyn Flowers, Jalen Smith, Zach Collins, and Josh Giddey are expected to be out.
- Boston: No players are listed on the early injury report aside from Jayson Tatum being out.
- Both teams are on equal rest after playing Saturday.
Final Score Prediction
- Boston 118, Chicago 104
ATS and Total Picks
- Against the Spread: Boston -11.5
- Total: Under 234