The Celtics had little trouble with the Bulls last season on their way to an NBA title. Doc Rivers’ squad defeated the Bulls in all four meetings and also covered the spread on each occasion. That includes a pair of blowout home victories.

The first meeting at the Garden (Dec. 21) saw Boston register a 107-82 victory as a 9 ½-point home favorite. The combined 189 points leaped ‘over’ the 181-point closing total.

The rematch (March 7) had the Celtics recording a 116-93 win as 11 ½-point home favorites. The combined 209 points soared ‘over’ the 199-point closing total.

The two games in Chicago last season saw the Celtics roll to wins of 92-81 and 106-92.

The Bulls opened their 2008-2009 campaign on Tuesday with a 108-95 victory against Milwaukee as six-point home favorites. The combined 203 points went ‘over’ the 198-point closing total.

Luol Deng netted 21 points and Ben Gordon added 18 markers to lead the Bulls over former coach Scott Skiles.

Derrick Rose, the No. 1 draft pick out of Memphis and a Chicago native, wowed fans with his quickness and strength. However, he mixed in enough mistakes to remind them he is a work in progress. He finished with 11 points, nine assists and four turnovers.

The Bulls shot a strong 50.7 percent from the field and had 27 assists on their 35 baskets. They also out-rebounded the Bucks, 54-37, and went to the free throw line 24 more times (44-20).

NBA Finals MVP Paul Pierce scored 27 points Tuesday as the Celtics followed an emotional ring and banner ceremony with a 90-85 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Celtics barely failed to cover the spread as six-point home favorites, with the combined 175 points ducking ‘under’ the 182 ½-point closing total.

Cleveland’s LeBron James scored 22 points, but missed a driving layup with 41 seconds left and two free throws in the last 11 seconds.

The Celtics won despite hitting just 44 percent from the floor (33-of-74) and 61 percent from the free throw line (21-of-34). They also were out-rebounded by the Cavs, 55-47.

The Bulls will play six of their next eight games at home, starting with a Saturday matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Boston will begin a three-game road trip Saturday at Indiana, and then conclude with games at Houston and Oklahoma City.

TRENDS: The ‘over’ is 13-4-2 in Chicago’s last 19 road outings. The Celtics are 5-0 ATS in their last five series meetings against the Bulls.

October 31, 2008