Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics Picks and Predictions for Monday October 26 2026
Chicago scored 132 points in Milwaukee on Friday and still nearly found a way to make a mess of things against Washington the next night. The Bulls lost 124-120 Saturday, and now they’re heading into Boston. That’s not an easy place to straighten out your defense. The Celtics haven’t been particularly impressive themselves, but they just beat the Knicks in a game where neither team could get much offense going. Boston has the better defense, and I think that’s going to be the difference here. Whether the Celtics deserve to lay double digits is another conversation.
Chicago visits Boston at TD Garden on Monday, October 26, 2026. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. An early market listing had Boston favored by 11.5 points. I’d rather take Chicago at that number, and my preferred total is Under 232.5 or higher. The spread and total should be checked against the actual sportsbook board before betting. Get the best NBA action with our free NBA picks.
Chicago Bulls Can Score, But Somebody Has to Play Defense
Chicago is 1-2 after losing 135-92 at Toronto, beating Milwaukee 132-125, and falling 124-120 to Washington. That’s a pretty strange three-game start. The Bulls looked helpless against the Raptors, then went into Milwaukee and scored 132, then gave up 124 at home to the Wizards. Chicago is averaging 114.7 points while allowing 128. The Bulls have enough offensive ability to hang around, but that defense is making every game more difficult than it needs to be.
Washington scored 62 points in the paint Saturday, and that’s a problem Boston will be looking to exploit. Chicago has also struggled to get stops when opponents start moving the ball. The Wizards put up 40 points in the third quarter before the Bulls made a late push of their own. Chicago scored 38 in the fourth, which tells you the offense isn’t completely broken. But the Bulls can’t keep spotting opponents big runs and expecting to shoot their way back. Against Boston, they’ll need to defend the perimeter better and keep the Celtics from getting easy baskets inside.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Jalen Wilson has been giving Chicago useful offense, including a strong showing against Washington, and the Bulls need that kind of production from several players. Patrick Williams is dealing with a groin injury, Noa Essengue has been sidelined by a head contusion, and Nic Claxton has a hamstring problem. Those absences matter, particularly around the basket. Chicago doesn’t have the defensive depth to keep losing frontcourt players and expect everything to work out. The Bulls can score enough to stay competitive Monday, but they’ll have to do a much better job on the glass and in the paint than they did against Washington.
Boston Celtics Have a Chance to Settle Things Down
Boston is 1-1 after losing 121-113 in Detroit and beating New York 107-103 on Friday. The Celtics haven’t looked especially sharp offensively, but the defense was much better against the Knicks. Boston held New York to 103 points and made enough plays late to get its first victory. That’s more like the Celtics basketball we’ve gotten used to seeing. Boston went 56-26 last season and was one of the league’s better defensive teams, allowing 107.2 points per game. The Celtics haven’t suddenly forgotten how to defend because they lost their opener.
The interesting part is whether Boston can take advantage of Chicago’s problems inside. The Bulls just allowed 62 points in the paint against Washington, and Boston should be able to get good looks if it moves the ball and attacks the basket. The Celtics also have a much better defensive foundation than the Bulls. Chicago has allowed 135, 125, and 124 points in its three games. Boston doesn’t need to score 130 to win, but the opportunities should be there. The Celtics have to be careful about getting into a shooting contest, though. Chicago just scored 132 against Milwaukee, and the Bulls can make a big spread uncomfortable if their outside shots start falling.
Boston has enough scoring talent to punish Chicago’s defensive mistakes, and the Celtics should be healthier than the Bulls in the frontcourt. Devin Carter has been listed out with an illness, but Boston doesn’t have the same number of significant absences that Chicago is dealing with. The Celtics also get the home floor and a day off after beating New York. That’s a good setup for a team looking to build some early momentum. I expect Boston to win. I’m just not convinced the Celtics need to win by 15 or 20 to prove they’re the better team.
Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics Picks and Predictions
Chicago Bulls +11.5
I’ll take Chicago getting 11.5 points. Boston is the better team, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Celtics lead for most of the night. But double digits is a lot to lay against a Bulls team that just scored 132 in Milwaukee and 120 against Washington. Chicago’s defense is a mess, and that’s the obvious concern. Boston could get whatever it wants offensively if the Bulls don’t improve. Still, the Celtics have scored 113 and 107 in their first two games. I’m not eager to lay a huge number with a team that hasn’t been lighting up the scoreboard. Chicago should have enough offense to stay within striking distance, even if Boston wins comfortably.
Under 232.5 or Higher
I’m taking the under if the total is 232.5 or higher. Chicago’s games have been wild, but Boston is much better equipped to slow things down than Milwaukee or Washington. The Celtics held New York to 103 Friday, and I expect them to make the Bulls work for their shots. Chicago has enough offense to get into the 110s, but I’m not convinced Boston needs to score 125 to win. The risk is that the Bulls’ defense continues to fall apart and Boston gets a pile of easy baskets. That’s certainly possible. But I think the Celtics will control the pace and keep this from turning into another Chicago shootout.
Final Picks: Chicago Bulls +11.5 or better and Under 232.5 or higher
Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass!
