Bodog Beat

Do you have your money on the Celtics? (AP Images)

Paul Pierce seemed content to stand toward the side as the Boston Celtics split the first two playoff games against the Chicago Bulls, and with Game 3 in Chicago tonight, he had no plans to move unless called upon.

Already short-handed, the Celtics lost Leon Powe to a season-ending knee injury in Game 2 and saw Rajon Rondo sprain his right ankle. Now Pierce needs to stand up and lead.

Although he's averaging 20.5 points, his shooting percentage is down from 45.7 percent in the regular season to 40 percent, and he's deferring to teammates.

So far the Bulls are sticking with the Celtics and the result is Chicago being listed as a 2.5-point favorite for Game 3.

The Bulls need to improve on the 50-36 rebounding edge and 32-12 disparity in second-chance points that Boston had in Game 2. The favorite is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings between these teams. Check out the Bodog Sportsbook for the best NBA basketball odds.