Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Prediction 26 October 2026

Boston opened their season in mixed fashion, falling to Detroit 121-113 despite holding a 20-point lead at one stage. Still, the team deserve credit for bouncing back in their recent matchup against New York, securing a 107-103 win. Facing the defending champions was a tough defensive challenge, but Boston impressed with their shooting efficiency - hitting 38.5% from beyond the arc. With Chicago’s defense not quite on the same level, Boston can be expected to put up even bigger numbers.

Defensively, Boston have looked solid so far, boasting strong options both in the paint and on the perimeter. Cohesion has been one of the Celtics’ key strengths in recent years. However, it’s important to note that Chicago will look to push the tempo, resulting in a higher volume of possessions for the opposition. Even if Boston execute well on individual plays, it might not always be reflected on the scoreboard.

Chicago stick to their trademark style - pushing the tempo and firing from all ranges. The results have been mixed: they've dropped two of their first three regular season games. Most recently, they fell to Washington (120-124), though they did pick up a win over Milwaukee (132-125). It’s worth noting that this open, up-tempo approach remains unchanged whether they’re at home or on the road. Giddey orchestrates possessions well; the real question is whether they can consistently convert those chances.

Defensively, Chicago aren’t likely to produce anything out of the ordinary. Their fast-paced game often leaves them vulnerable to opponents’ fast breaks and easy buckets. On average, they’re conceding around 120 points per night - and it’s hard to see that trend shifting dramatically against Boston. In fact, the situation could easily get worse.