Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls 26 October 2026 Prediction

The Bulls, who have one of the league’s weakest defenses, visit Boston looking for their first win at TD Garden since December 2024. The Celtics are aiming for their second straight home victory. They won both home meetings with Chicago last season by double digits.

Tatum Responds Against the Knicks

The Celtics gave up a 22-point third-quarter lead in a 121-113 loss to the Pistons, then beat the champion Knicks 107-103. Boston is averaging a league-low 12.5 turnovers through its first two games, an encouraging sign for its revised starting lineup.

Tatum faced questions after shooting 6-for-23 against Detroit. A social media exchange with former teammate Brown may have been a distraction. Tatum followed up with 36 points, nine rebounds and seven assists against the Knicks, hitting three consecutive shots late in the game.

Boston Celtics Predicted Lineup: White, Walsh, Tatum, George, Robinson

Out: Carter (illness)

Manager: Joe Mazzulla

Wilson’s Strong Start for Chicago

The Bulls have struggled defensively to open the season. They lost 135-92 to the Raptors, beat the Bucks 132-125 and fell 124-120 to the Wizards. Tiago Splitter’s team is allowing 128 points per game, among the highest marks in the league.

Giddey is playing with a wrist brace, which remains a concern for Chicago. Wilson has provided a bright spot, scoring 67 points across his first three games. That is the second-highest total in Bulls history through a player’s first three career games, behind Michael Jordan’s 74.

Chicago Bulls Predicted Lineup: Giddey, Powell, Buzelis, Wilson, Smith

Out: Claxton (injury)

Manager: Tiago Splitter

Boston Won Both Home Meetings in 2025-26

The Celtics won two of their three meetings with the Bulls in the 2025-26 season. Both wins came at home, 115-101 and 124-105. Their only loss was a 114-111 road defeat.

Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Prediction: Boston Celtics Handicap -12.5 at 1.78

Main pick: Chicago shot 32% from the field and committed 27 turnovers in its loss to Toronto. Boston has also started well despite being without Brown, recovering from its collapse against Detroit to beat New York. The pick is Boston Celtics -12.5.

Team total pick: The Bulls have allowed at least 120 points in all three games. Given Chicago’s defensive results so far, Boston Celtics team total over 121.5 is also worth considering.