The 26-11 Boston Celtics look to continue their winning ways Monday, Jan. 13 as they travel to face the 14-26 Chicago Bulls at United Center at 7:30 pm ET.
Boston, who fell to third in the East despite a 140-05 win over the New Orleans Pelicans Jan. 11, returned to the win column Saturday evening after a three-game skid, the team winning six of its last ten games.
The tenth-place Bulls won their last game, but lost seven of their last ten — including one to the Celtics on Jan. 4.
Chicago forward Otto Porter (foot) and center Wendell Carter (ankle) will be out against Boston, with Carter out at least another month, and Porter looking to return close to the All-Star game.
Lauri Markkanen (ankle), Ryan Arcidiacono (elbow) and Chandler Hutchison (shoulder) are all questionable for Monday’s contest, though Markkanen has played every game since turning his ankle in the two team’s last meeting.
Boston big man Vincent Poirier has a chance to return from a broken hand sustained in December after being upgraded to questionable Sunday. Conversely, center Daniel Theis may end up sitting due to soreness in his right knee.
Rookie wing Romeo Langford will be available after missing several games due to illness, while center Robert Williams III (hip) will be out for at least a few more weeks, according to the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn.
The Celtics should win this contest handily, but shouldn’t expect the Bulls to roll over, even with so many players potentially sitting. Possessing one of the better defenses in the league, Chicago is a tougher team than many might assume based solely on their record.
Despite the Bulls’ defensive competence, online sportsbooks favor Boston considerably, extending an average spread of -9.5.
