The Chicago Bulls visit the Boston Celtics on Monday, January 5, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden. Chicago holds a 17-18 record and is on a one-game losing streak after falling 99-112 to Charlotte on January 3.
Boston comes in at 22-12 and rides a three-game winning streak, most recently defeating the Clippers 146-115. The teams have not faced each other yet this season.
The Bulls will be without several key contributors. Zach Collins (right toe sprain), Noa Essengue (left shoulder surgery), Trentyn Flowers (right knee sprain), Josh Giddey (left hamstring strain), Emanuel Miller (G League – two-way), and Jalen Smith (concussion) are all out. Coby White is listed as questionable with a right calf issue.
Boston is missing Jayson Tatum (right Achilles repair) while Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga, and Amari Williams are listed as probable from the G League. The Celtics have otherwise avoided major injuries and maintain a healthy core.
For Chicago, Giddey leads the team with 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game. Nikola Vucevic averages 16.5 points and 8.9 rebounds, while Matas Buzelis contributes 14.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per contest. Ayo Dosunmu adds 14.0 points with a 43% three-point rate.
Boston counters with Jaylen Brown posting 30.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. Derrick White averages 18.7 points and 5.3 assists, while Payton Pritchard contributes 16.8 points with 5.3 assists. Center Neemias Queta anchors the paint with 10.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
