Celtics vs. Bulls: One Last Push Before the Break
With the All-Star break looming, the Boston Celtics have one more test before they can catch their breath - a home matchup against the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m., and while the Celtics have shown flashes of dominance lately, they’re also carrying some bruises - both physical and mental - into this final pre-break showdown.
Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Boston will be without Jayson Tatum, who's still recovering from a right Achilles repair. That’s a significant absence, especially as the Celtics look to build momentum heading into the break. On the bright side, Sam Hauser (low back spasms) and Neemias Queta (right ankle sprain) are both available, while Max Shulga and John Tonje remain out on G League assignments.
Chicago, meanwhile, is battling a laundry list of injuries. Zach Collins and Noa Essengue are both out, and the Bulls have a trio of key players listed as doubtful: Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, and Jalen Smith are all nursing lower-body injuries. Yuki Kawamura and Mac McClung are also unavailable due to G League commitments.
The Trade Twist: Simons vs. Vucevic
There’s more than just standings on the line tonight - there’s a fresh layer of intrigue added by the recent trade between these two squads. Boston shipped Anfernee Simons to Chicago in exchange for veteran big man Nikola Vucevic at the deadline. Now, just days later, the two will face off in their new uniforms.
Simons has wasted no time making an impact for the Bulls. In three games, he’s averaging 20 points, 5.3 assists, and 3 rebounds per game, while shooting nearly 49% from the field.
He’s been aggressive from beyond the arc too, launching over 10 threes a night and connecting at a respectable 34.4%. For a Bulls team desperate for offensive firepower, Simons has been a bright spot in an otherwise tough stretch.
Celtics Looking to Bounce Back
Boston is 7-3 over their last 10 games, but the record doesn’t quite tell the whole story. That run includes a shaky win over Miami, a blowout loss to Atlanta, and a rough showing against the Knicks on Super Bowl Sunday. That game was lopsided from the opening tip - the kind of performance that leaves a sour taste heading into the break.
But the Celtics have a chance to flip the script. A win tonight not only gives them a little momentum going into All-Star weekend, it also helps them reclaim some separation from the Knicks in the Eastern Conference standings.
New York dropped an overtime game to Indiana on Tuesday, so Boston has a half-game lead for the No. 2 seed. A win over Chicago would push that to a full game.
The top seed? That’s still a climb. Boston sits 5.5 games behind Detroit, but if the Pistons stumble against Toronto and the Celtics take care of business, that gap narrows to 4.5.
Bulls in a Funk
Chicago has hit a rough patch - and that’s putting it lightly. They’ve lost five straight and eight of their last nine.
The only two wins in their last 10? One of them came against these Celtics, which should be a reminder that Boston can’t afford to sleepwalk through this one.
Despite the losses, there have been some individual performances worth noting. Rookie Matas Buzelis has been heating up, averaging 16.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over his last 10 games. He’s shooting 46% from the floor and over 41% from deep - impressive efficiency for a young wing still finding his rhythm in the league.
Collin Sexton and Jaden Ivey have also been logging heavy minutes, bringing energy and scoring punch to a Bulls team trying to find its identity post-trade deadline. Former Celtic Guerschon Yabusele has been part of that rotation too, giving Chicago some size and physicality.
The Little Things Matter
Keep an eye on the hustle plays tonight - especially on the glass. One moment that stood out recently came from Ron Harper Jr., who out-jumped Mitchell Robinson for a rebound over Vucevic. It might not show up in the box score as a game-changer, but that kind of effort can swing possessions and build trust with the coaching staff.
Boston has had its share of struggles with defensive rebounding this season, and in a game that could come down to second-chance opportunities, those small plays could loom large.
Final Word
This game isn’t just a footnote before the break - it’s a measuring stick. For Boston, it’s a chance to clean up the blemishes from recent games and go into the All-Star weekend with a win and a bit of breathing room in the standings. For Chicago, it’s an opportunity to snap out of a funk and see how their new pieces - especially Simons - stack up against one of the East’s top teams.
Both squads have something to prove. Let’s see who shows up.