After stringing together three straight wins, the Chicago Bulls have clawed their way back to .500 at 22-22. But now comes a serious gut check: a matchup with the Boston Celtics-a team that’s had their number in recent years.
The Bulls are just 1-7 against Boston over the past three seasons, including a 115-101 loss earlier this month. So while Chicago’s momentum is real, they’re heading into a building where history hasn’t been kind.
Backcourt Boost - and a New Setback
The last time these two teams squared off on January 5, the Bulls were shorthanded in the backcourt. Both Josh Giddey and Coby White were out-Giddey nursing a hamstring strain, and White sidelined with calf tightness. That absence was felt, especially against a Boston team that thrives on perimeter pressure and transition offense.
Fast forward to now, and both guards are back in action-healthy, active, and ready to go. That’s a big lift for Chicago, especially with Giddey’s playmaking and White’s scoring punch.
But just as the Bulls start to get healthy, they take another hit. Tre Jones, who’s been a steady presence off the bench, is now out with a hamstring strain of his own.
He’s expected to miss at least two weeks. It’s a tough blow for a team that’s relied heavily on Jones’ ball security and defensive grit in the second unit.
Also still missing from the rotation is Zach Collins. He hasn’t suited up in 2026, dealing with a first toe sprain that’s kept him sidelined since late December.
The expectation is that he’ll remain out until after the All-Star break. Add rookie Noa Essengue, recovering from shoulder surgery, and the Bulls’ depth is being tested once again.
Boston’s Rotation Taking Shape
The Celtics aren’t exactly at full strength either, but they’re close. Forward Josh Minott is out with an ankle sprain, though he’s only logged one appearance in January.
The bigger development for Boston is how head coach Joe Mazzulla is locking in his rotation. Sam Hauser, known for his sharpshooting from deep, has earned a spot in the starting five alongside Jaylen Brown.
Speaking of Brown, he’s listed as probable with left hamstring tightness. But unless there’s a late setback, expect him to suit up. Brown’s been durable this season, missing just three games, and his two-way play is crucial to what Boston does on both ends of the floor.
The Celtics will, however, be without Jayson Tatum, who continues to recover from right Achilles surgery. That’s a major absence, no question-but Boston’s depth and system have kept them rolling even without their star forward.
Injury Report - Bulls vs. Celtics
Chicago Bulls
- Out: Zach Collins (Right 1st Toe Sprain), Noa Essengue (Left Shoulder Surgery), Tre Jones (Left Hamstring Strain)
Boston Celtics
- Out: Josh Minott (Left Ankle Sprain), Jayson Tatum (Right Achilles Repair)
What to Watch
This is a game where the backcourt battle could tip the scales. With Giddey and White back, the Bulls have the firepower to match Boston’s perimeter attack-but they’ll need to be sharp. Boston’s defense is unforgiving, and with Brown likely in the lineup and Hauser spacing the floor, the Celtics will test Chicago’s rotations all night.
The Bulls have shown resilience lately, but this is a different kind of test. If they want to prove they’re more than just a .500 team, tonight’s the kind of game where they’ll need to punch above their weight-and finally flip the script against a Celtics squad that’s had their number for far too long.