The Celtics host the Chicago Bulls for the second of 4 games this season. They met in Chicago for the 4th and final group play game for the Emirates NBA Cup on November 29. They will play each other once again in just 2 days in Chicago on Saturday December 21 and their final meeting will be in Boston on January 29. The Celtics swept the series 3-0 last season, winning 2 in Chicago and one in Boston.
Both teams have had a long rest due to the in season tournament. The Celtics last played on Sunday when they beat the Washington Wizards and the Bulls last played on Monday when they beat the Toronto Raptors. The Bulls are 2-8 in their last 10 games against the Celtics. The Celtics are 134-109 overall all time against the Bulls and they are 77-38 in games played in Boston.
The Celtics 2nd in the East, 1.5 games behind first place Cleveland and they are 5 games ahead of 3rd place Orlando. They are are 11-3 at home and they are 8-2 in their last 10 games. They are 19-3 against Eastern Conference teams and have won their last 2 games. The Bulls are 9th in the East, 11 games out of first place and 2 games behind 7th place Atlanta. They are 8-6 on the road (and 4-9 at home). They are 5-5 in their last 10 games. They are 10-8 against Eastern Conference teams and have won their last 2 games.
The Celtics start the post tournament stretch with a home and home series against the Bulls. They play this game in Boston and then again on Saturday in Chicago. They then travel to Orlando for a game before another 4 game home stand where they host Philadelphia, Indiana twice, and Toronto. Then it’s a 4 game Western road trip through Minnesota, Houston, Oklahoma City and Denver before facing Sacramento and New Orleans back at home.
The Bulls also start with the home and home set against the Celtics playing this game in Boston and on Saturday in Chicago. They then face Milwaukee at home followed by Atlanta on the road. Then it’s back home for another game against Milwaukee before playing at Charlotte and at Washington. Then it’s back home for games against the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
After missing Sunday’s game, Al Horford should be back for the Celtics. Kristaps Porzingis left Sunday’s game with a heel injury but practiced on Wednesday and is listed as questionable for this game but if there are no setbacks on Thursday, he will likely play. If he is unable to go, I expect Al Horford to get the start. Sam Hauser is questionable with lower back spasms. Xavier Tillman is questionable with a non-covid illness. All 3 are considered a game time decision.
For the Bulls, Zach LaVine missed Monday’s game with back soreness and was originally questionable for this game but has been removed from the list as of now. Josh Giddey left Monday’s game with an ankle injury. Although the injury isn’t considered to be serious, he is listed as doubtful for this game. EJ Liddell is questionable due to a sore left knee. Dalen Terry was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice and is listed as questionable for this game with a bruised right knee.
Probable Celtics Starters
Grid View
Celtics ReservesLuke KornetAl HorfordPayton PritchardNeemias QuetaBaylor ScheiermanJaden SpringerJordan Walsh
2 Way PlayersJD DavisonDrew PetersonAnton Watson
Injuries/OutSam Hauser (back) questionable Kristaps Porzingis (heel) questionable Xavier Tillman (illness) questionable
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
