Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Emirates NBA Cup – East Group C
TV: NBC Sports Boston (NBCS-BOS), CHSN (Chicago), League Pass options
This is a rematch of Monday’s game at the same venue, where the Celtics dominated 134-99. Boston is rolling at home (3-0), while Chicago seeks to build on improved shooting in a recent high-scoring loss.
Current Rosters
Bulls: Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson (rookie standout), Jalen Smith, Tre Jones, Buddy Hield, Isaac Okoro, Zach Collins, Leonard Miller, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, and others. Young core with scoring punch from Powell and Wilson.
Celtics: Jayson Tatum, Paul George, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta, Sam Hauser, Jordan Walsh, Baylor Scheierman, Hugo González, Luka Garza, Mike Conley, and supporting depth. Star-driven with strong two-way wings and frontcourt size.
Injury Reports
Bulls:
Nic Claxton (left hamstring strain) – Out
Patrick Williams (right adductor/groin strain) – Questionable/GTD or listed Out in some reports
Tobe Awaka (left ankle sprain) – Questionable/GTD
Jalen Smith (left finger sprain) – Questionable/GTD in some updates
Celtics:
Devin Carter (illness/mononucleosis) – Out
Boston is near full strength in its core rotation. Chicago’s frontcourt is depleted without Claxton, with additional uncertainty at forward.
Recent Team Forms
Bulls (1-4): Lone win over Milwaukee; losses include a 35-point blowout at Boston (134-99), a collapse vs. New York (led by 19 before falling 133-127), and other defeats. Averaging ~114 PPG but allowing a poor ~130.2. Norman Powell (30 in the Knicks loss) and rookie Caleb Wilson (20+ contributions) provide offense. Shooting improved recently (48% FG, strong 3PT in last game), but defense and turnovers remain issues.
Celtics (3-1): Three straight wins, including the blowout of Chicago and a 125-124 OT thriller vs. Brooklyn (Tatum game-winner, 40 points). Unbeaten at home. Scoring ~119.8 PPG while allowing ~111.8. Tatum is producing at a high level post-Achilles recovery concerns from prior seasons; George and White anchor the supporting cast. Strong home form and defensive structure.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Jayson Tatum / Paul George vs. Matas Buzelis / Caleb Wilson / Isaac Okoro: Boston’s star wings vs. Chicago’s young, athletic forwards. Tatum’s scoring and creation (recent 40-point night) against Chicago’s perimeter defense; Wilson’s emerging production offers counterpunch potential.
Derrick White / Payton Pritchard vs. Josh Giddey / Norman Powell / Tre Jones: Backcourt control and perimeter shooting. White’s two-way impact vs. Giddey’s playmaking; Powell’s scoring (30 recently) needs containment.
Mitchell Robinson / Neemias Queta vs. Jalen Smith / Zach Collins (Claxton out): Interior size and rebounding heavily favor Boston. Chicago must crash the glass and avoid fouls without its primary center.
Secondary: Hauser’s shooting vs. Bulls’ closeouts; Chicago’s pace attempts against Boston’s structured defense.
Boston’s length and experience create advantages across positions, especially with Chicago missing Claxton.
Series History
Boston has dominated recent meetings, including the 134-99 win earlier this week. Historical edge generally favors the Celtics in the modern era, with strong home records against Chicago. The teams have met frequently as Eastern Conference foes; recent results show Boston controlling matchups through superior talent and execution.
Betting Trends
Boston strong ATS at home early and in prior matchup; Chicago has struggled as large underdogs and on the road defensively. Overs have support given Chicago’s recent scoring and Boston’s offensive efficiency, though Boston can control tempo. Public leans heavily toward the home favorite.
Projection sketch: Celtics win by 12–18 points in a 120–110 range or similar. Boston pulls away with star scoring and frontcourt control; Chicago stays competitive if it shoots well from three and limits turnovers. Confirm final statuses for Williams/Awaka/Smith closer to tip.
Game Odds
Chicago Bulls 235
Boston Celtics – 15
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, October 29, 2026
