The Chicago Bulls (17-18) face the Boston Celtics (22-12) in an Eastern Conference matchup as the Bulls look to extend their four-game road winning streak against a Celtics team riding a three-game win streak. Chicago, sitting 11th in the East, has shown resilience on the road despite inconsistencies, while Boston, second in the East, remains a title contender even without key players. Injuries loom large, particularly for the Celtics, potentially opening the door for Chicago’s balanced attack to exploit mismatches in transition and rebounding.
Venue Location
TD Garden, Boston, MA. This 19,163-capacity arena has been the Celtics’ home since 1995, renowned for its passionate fans and historic banners.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on NBA TV, NBA League Pass, and local networks including NBC Sports Boston for Celtics fans and NBC Sports Chicago for Bulls viewers.
Injury Report
Injuries could significantly impact both teams, with Boston dealing with a major absence and Chicago missing depth pieces.
Chicago Bulls: Forward Zach Collins is out with a right first toe sprain. Forward Noa Essengue is out for the season following left shoulder surgery. Guard Emanuel Miller is out with a hamstring injury, and center Leo Olbrich is out with an ankle injury. Guard Coby White was recently sidelined but appears available after playing in recent games. These absences strain Chicago’s frontcourt depth, forcing reliance on Nikola Vucevic and younger players like Matas Buzelis.
Boston Celtics: Forward Jayson Tatum is out with a right Achilles repair, a significant blow to their scoring and leadership; he’s not ruled out for the season but will miss this game. Guards Ron Harper Jr. and Max Shulga are out on G League assignments. The Celtics are otherwise healthy, but Tatum’s absence shifts more responsibility to Jaylen Brown and the supporting cast.
Player Matchups
Without Tatum, this game shifts focus to perimeter battles and interior control, with Boston’s depth tested against Chicago’s youth and athleticism.
Josh Giddey (Chicago) vs. Derrick White (Boston): Giddey’s playmaking (averaging 7+ assists) and rebounding will challenge White’s defensive versatility and three-point shooting. White’s ability to disrupt passing lanes could limit Giddey’s vision.
Nikola Vucevic (Chicago) vs. Al Horford/Kristaps Porzingis (Boston): Vucevic’s double-double potential (20+ PPG, 10+ RPG) tests Boston’s big-man rotation. Porzingis’ rim protection and spacing could pull Vucevic out of the paint.
Matas Buzelis (Chicago) vs. Jaylen Brown (Boston): Buzelis, fresh off a 21-point game, brings athleticism against Brown’s scoring prowess (career-high 50 points recently). Brown’s explosiveness could exploit mismatches.
Ayo Dosunmu (Chicago) vs. Jrue Holiday (Boston): Dosunmu’s speed in transition meets Holiday’s elite defense, potentially deciding turnover battles and fast-break points.
These matchups highlight Chicago’s rebounding edge versus Boston’s perimeter efficiency, with special teams (three-point shooting) likely pivotal.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have shown flashes, but Boston enters with hotter momentum.
Chicago Bulls: The Bulls are 5-5 in their last 10 games, splitting recent home contests with a 121-114 win over the Orlando Magic on January 2 (led by Matas Buzelis’ 21 points) and a 99-112 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on January 3. They’re on a four-game road win streak, averaging 115 PPG offensively but struggling defensively (allowing 118+ in losses). Chicago’s three-point shooting has improved, but turnovers remain an issue.
Boston Celtics: The Celtics are 7-3 in their last 10, on a three-game win streak including a 146-115 blowout over the LA Clippers on January 3 (Jaylen Brown scored 50) and a 120-106 victory against the Sacramento Kings on January 1. Their offense has exploded (130+ PPG in wins), but defense has been inconsistent without Tatum. Boston’s home games trend high-scoring lately.
Series History
The Celtics hold a 137-110 all-time regular-season edge over the Bulls, with a 155-115 overall record including playoffs. In the last 10 meetings, Boston is 6-4, winning the most recent two in December 2025: 123-98 on December 21 and 117-108 on December 19. Games have been competitive lately, with six of the last 10 decided by single digits and overs hitting in 60% of contests.
Betting Trends
Chicago Bulls Trends: 18-17 ATS overall, with a 20-15 O/U record. They’ve covered in four straight road games and are 6-4 ATS as underdogs of +10 or more. Bulls games trend under on the road (55% under the total), but overs hit in five of their last seven vs. Boston.
Boston Celtics Trends: 19-15 ATS, with overs in 18 of 34 games. They’re 4-1 SU in their last five but 2-3 ATS without Tatum this season. Celtics home games hit the over in six of their last eight, and they’ve covered in seven of their last 10 vs. Chicago.
Game Odds
Chicago Bulls 235.5
Boston Celtics – 11.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 4, 2026
