Celtics-Bulls 12/21/2024 preview: TV, notes, injuries

On By Littum

“We got some decent looks, but we just didn’t make them,” Porzingis said. “And when you don’t make them, our energy wasn’t lacking, but it’s just not the same hype. And honestly, they took and made some tough shots and they made the open ones as well.”

The Celtics also saw their worst shooting percentage (39.2 percent) from the field in a game this season, going 38 of 97.

Meanwhile, Chicago is coming off one of their best defensive performances to date. They had 56 rebounds and forward Zach LaVine led the offense with a season-high 36 points.

“They played physical,” Jaylen Brown said. “They shot. They guarded well. If a team shoots and guards well, anything can happen on any given night.”

Sam Hauser is doubtful to play with lower back spasms.

Here is your preview.

When: Saturday at 8 p.m

Where: United Center, Chicago

TV, radio: NBCSB, WROR-FM (105.7)

Line: Boston -10.5. O/O: 240.5.

CELTIC

Season record: 21-6. vs. spread: 10-17. Above/below: 12-14, 1 push

Last 10 games: 7-3. vs. spread: 3-7. Above/below: 4-6

Taurus

Season record: 13-15. vs. spread: 14-13, 1 push. Above/below: 16-12

Last 10 games: 6-4. vs. spread: 6-3, 1 pressure. Above/below: 5-5

TEAM STATISTICS

Points per game: Boston 119.5, Chicago 118.8

Points allowed per game: Boston 110.0, Chicago 121.4

Field goal percentage: Boston .456, Chicago .473

Opponent field goal percentage: Boston .460, Chicago .477

3-point percentage: Boston .367, Chicago .378

Opponent 3-Point Percentage: Boston .350, Chicago .339

Today’s stats: The win ended the Bulls’ five-game losing streak against the Celtics, which included a 138-129 home loss on November 29. It also gave the Bulls three straight wins for the first time this season.

Notes: LaVine scored five straight points after Boston made it a 99-96 game on a Brown 3-pointer. Two of those five points came on free throws after Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla and Brown were each hit with a technical foul with 5:12 left — Mazzulla for going onto the court and Brown for asking why his coach got the tech. Tatum also received a technical with 3:10 left. . . The Bulls were 19 of 52 from 3-point range. They trailed 57-54 at halftime and 86-82 entering the fourth, but used a 12-0 run to take a 99-90 lead. . . Tatum had 31 points and 10 rebounds but was 10-of-22 shooting from the field.

Information from Field Level Media was used in this report.

Alexa Podalsky can be contacted at [email protected].