Celtics vs. Bulls Game Six – 1st Quarter Betting Props

Celtics-Bulls Game Six – Celtics ATS in the 1st Quarter

It’s actually unbelievable how good this series has been. The Bulls and Celtics have already set an NBA playoff record with three overtime games (and four overtime periods). The series returns to Chicago tonight with the Bulls facing elimination down three games to two. Maybe the only thing about the series that hasn’t been tightly contested is the first quarter. The Celtics are 4-0-1 SU in the first quarter, with game one being the tie. Here’s the betting line for the 1st quarter of tonight’s game:

Spread:

• Boston Celtics +1pt -115

• Chicago Bulls -1pt -115

Analysis: As I was saying, the Celtics have been dominating the first quarter in this series. To go along with their 4-0-1 SU record in the frame, they have an average point differential of +4. It’s no better for the Bulls in Chicago, where they have lost both first quarters by an average of 6 points. These numbers shouldn’t come as a surprise, because of the teams regular season first quarter performances. Boston is a +2.6 in first quarter over the whole season, while Chicago is -1.6. What’s really interesting is that those numbers hardly change at all when you only look at Boston’s performance on the road and Chicago’s at home. Chicago is an ugly -1.4 in the 1st Q at home, while Boston maintains a nice +2.4 start on the road. It’s amazing, given all these numbers, that Chicago is actually a favorite on the first quarter NBA betting line. I’m not saying that Boston is going to take this game, but given the history, you’ve got to like them in the first quarter at least. Here’s a summary of the relevant numbers, so you can draw your own conclusions, but I’m pretty sure you’ll end up liking this line as much as I do.

1st Quarter Betting Trends:

• The Celtics have a +2.6 point differential in the 1st quarter this season.

• The Bulls have a -1.6 point differential in the 1st quarter this season.

• The Celtics have a +2.4 point differential on the road in the 1st quarter.

• The Bulls have a -1.4 point differential at home in the 1st quarter.

• The Celtics are 6-1-1 SU against the Bulls in the 1st quarter this season (including regular season and the playoffs).

• The Celtics have a +4.1pt differential in the 1st quarter in those eight matchups.

Pick:

• Boston Celtics +1 -115 (1st Quarter Handicap)