Celtics' Winning Streak Snapped by Bulls' Late Surge; Tensions Rise with Technical Fouls
December 20, 2024Zach LaVine was instrumental in the Bulls' victory, scoring a game-high 36 points, which helped extend their winning streak to three games.
After the game, Mazzulla attempted to confront Van Duyne to express his dissatisfaction but was restrained by assistant coaches, later downplaying the incident with a light-hearted comment about holiday greetings.
In a recent game, the Boston Celtics faced frustration as forward Jaylen Brown and head coach Joe Mazzulla received back-to-back technical fouls during the fourth quarter, contributing to their 117-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls.
Referee Justin Van Duyne clarified that Mazzulla's technical foul was issued because he stepped onto the court following a jump ball call, a decision supported by crew chief Tony Brothers.
The Celtics' shooting woes were evident as they managed only 14 of 56 attempts from three-point range, finishing the game with a disappointing 25 percent accuracy.
Betting experts suggest a Celtics win with a predicted score of 122-113, but recommend betting on the Bulls +12.5 due to their recent competitive performances.
Key injuries for both teams include Celtics' Sam Hauser and Kristaps Porzingis, and Bulls' Josh Giddey, all listed as questionable for upcoming games.
The Bulls have shown resilience, winning three of their last five games, including a close victory over the Toronto Raptors, where Nikola Vucevic led the team with 24 points.
For those interested in betting, the over/under for the game is set at 241.5 points, with recommendations to bet on the under given both teams' recent scoring tendencies.
Despite leading 86-82 at one point, the Celtics struggled in the final quarter, allowing the Bulls to surge ahead with a 17-4 run, ultimately leading to their defeat.
Brown's performance was further complicated by personal challenges, including a recent break-in at his mother's home, which affected his focus leading into the game.
The Celtics have struggled against the spread recently, with a 1-5 record in their last six games, raising concerns about their consistency.
Summary based on 20 sources
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Sources
Mashable • Dec 19, 2024
Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics 2024 livestream: Watch NBA onlineUSA Today Sportsbookwire • Dec 19, 2024
Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics odds, picks and predictionsCBS Boston • Dec 20, 2024
Joe Mazzulla, Jaylen Brown furious with officiating during Celtics loss to Bulls