Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics Picks and Prediction for Monday October 26 2026
TD Garden will play host to an Eastern Conference battle between the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics. Tipoff is scheduled for Monday October 26, 2026 at 6:00 pm EST. The game will be streamed on NBA League Pass. The Celtics are a sizable 13.5 point favorite and the total is 234.5. Be ready for all of this season's NBA action with our free NBA picks.
Chicago has a bright future with Wilson
The Chicago Bulls have made just one playoff appearance in the previous nine and their last playoff series victory was in 2015. The Bulls (1-2) appear to have hit a home run with fourth overall pick Caleb Wilson and signed veteran G Norman Powell to provide consistent scoring. On Saturday, Chicago fell behind by 21 points and had their rally fall short during a 124-120 home loss versus Washington.
Chicago rookie F Caleb Wilson dazzled with a game-high 30 points (10-24 FG), 14 rebounds, and two steals. Matas Buzelis scored 21 points on 7-for-13 shooting and pulled down five boards. Norman Powell added 18 points (7-7 FT) and four steals for the Bulls.
New head coach Tiago Splitter has vowed to open up the offense for Chicago. The Bulls played at the second fastest tempo in the league a season ago, but have fallen into the middle of the pack in that category. During Saturday’s loss, Chicago outscored Washington 34-9 in fast break points and shot 43 percent from the field.
Boston dangerous with a healthy Tatum
The Boston Celtics have missed the playoffs just once in the previous ten seasons and are a couple of years removed from their NBA record 18th championship. The Celtics (1-1) dealt All-Star G Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George and added C Mitchell Robinson in free agency to provide some much needed rim protection. On Friday, Boston led for 76 percent of the time during a 107-103 home victory versus New York.
Boston F Jayson Tatum poured in a game-high 36 points on 14-for-26 shooting to go along with nine rebounds and seven assists. Paul George chipped in 15 points (3-7 3PT) and seven assists. Neemias Queta added 15 points and six rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench for the Celtics.
Last season, the Celtics ranked second in the league in offensive efficiency (116.8) and averaged a shade below 115 points per game. During Friday’s home victory, the Celtics connected on 15-for-39 from the three-point line and shot 46 percent overall. Boston forced 18 turnovers and converted them into 19 points.
Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics Picks and Prediction
Pick: Boston Celtics -13.5
Chicago C Nic Claxton is dealing with a hamstring injury and will remain sidelined for this contest. The Celtics took two out of three against the Bulls a season ago, but lost the one road game by a 114-111 final score. Chicago lacks size in their lineup and is surrendering 128 points per contest. Boston will have their way on offense and win by 20 points at home.
Pick: Over 234.5
Boston ranked second in the league in offensive efficiency last season and are currently eighth in that category. Mitchell Robinson gives the Celtics a lob threat and they surround him with deadly three-point shooting. These two teams rank in the middle of the pack in tempo, but once Boston gets up pick the pace will increase. Take the over.
Final Score Prediction: Boston Celtics win 130-111