Eastern Conference playoffs preview – Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls

Nov 2, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) and Chicago Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the fourth quarter at TD Garden. The Boston Celtics won 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) and Chicago Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the fourth quarter at TD Garden. The Boston Celtics won 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Mar 12, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) goes in for a lay up past Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) during the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) goes in for a lay up past Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) during the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

2017 NBA Playoffs series specifics:

Game 1

Date: Sunday, April 16

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

Location: TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts

Watch: TNT

Line: Boston -7.5, per OddsShark

Game 2

Date: Tuesday, April 18

Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

Location: TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts

Watch: TNT

Game 3

Date: Friday, April 21

Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

Location: United Center in Chicago, Illinois

Watch: ESPN

Game 4

Date: Sunday, April 23

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

Location: United Center in Chicago, Illinois

Watch: TNT

*Game 5

Date: Wednesday, April 26

Time: TBD

Location: TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts

*Game 6

Date: Friday, April 28

Time: TBD

Location: United Center in Chicago, Illinois

*Game 7

Date: Sunday, April 30

Time: TBD

More from Thunderous Intentions

Location: TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts

*if needed

Prediction:

Chicago isn’t a traditional eight-seed thanks to the presence of Dwyane Wade. Wade’s been tested in the playoff crucible – he’s a champion and a Finals MVP. Wade gives the Bulls something they don’t have much of: experience. The pairing of Wade with Butler gives the Bulls a chance to snag a game or two.

Ultimately though, the Celtics are a much better team from the top down. Isaiah Thomas should have a big series and the Celtics should take care of business in five.