REF’s picks

The Boston Celtics return to TD Garden to host a struggling Chicago Bulls side missing Nic Claxton, making Boston -13.5 a solid selection to cover at home. Boston's ball movement and superior depth should easily overwhelm a Chicago defence that has struggled early in the season. However, laying double digits in the NBA always carries blowout variance where garbage-time runs can easily backdoor the cover.

1. 1Boston holds a massive offensive and defensive efficiency advantage at home, averaging strong ball movement with 28 assists per game.
2. 2Chicago is dealing with key frontcourt absences, notably Nic Claxton, which leaves them vulnerable on the glass and in the paint.
3. 3Laying 13.5 points is a substantial hurdle, and late-game defensive lapses or garbage-time scoring by the Bulls could threaten the spread.

REF's own opinion, not a guarantee — nothing here is financial or betting advice, and the call is always yours.