Image Source: The Boston Globe
Bulls vs Celtics action returns to TD Garden on Monday night, with Boston aiming to build momentum after a 107-103 victory over the New York Knicks in its home opener. The Celtics will face a Chicago team searching for consistency after an uneven start to the season.
The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern time. NBC Sports Boston will televise the matchup, while WBZ-FM 98.5 will provide radio coverage. Boston opened as a 14-point favorite, with the over-under set at 232.5 points.
Powerful Bulls vs Celtics Storylines to Watch
Jayson Tatum will be central to Boston’s hopes after delivering a strong response against New York. The Celtics star scored 36 points and collected nine rebounds, bouncing back from a difficult performance in the season opener against Detroit.
Boston also received an important lift from Neemias Queta. Coming off the bench, Queta contributed 15 points, six rebounds, and three blocked shots in 22 minutes. His interior presence could again be valuable against a Bulls team that has struggled defensively and has not consistently controlled the paint.
Jordan Walsh has also emerged as an intriguing defensive factor. The young wing started Boston’s first two games and drew assignments against Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons and Jalen Brunson of the Knicks.
Paul George praised Walsh’s performance against New York, saying the defender “set the tone” against Brunson. George highlighted Walsh’s physical play, discipline, and ability to disrupt the All-Star guard’s rhythm without committing unnecessary fouls.
Caleb Wilson Gives Chicago a Dangerous Scoring Option
The Bulls enter the matchup with a 1-2 record, but rookie Caleb Wilson has already shown why Chicago selected him fourth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. Wilson scored a game-high 30 points against the Washington Wizards on Saturday and is averaging 22.3 points per game.
Chicago’s early results have been difficult to predict. The Bulls opened the season with a 43-point loss to the Toronto Raptors, then responded with a seven-point victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. They followed that win by falling to Washington, 124-120, in their home opener.
That inconsistency has placed added pressure on Chicago’s defense. The Bulls are allowing 128 points per game, the second-highest figure in the league, ahead of only Milwaukee. Boston, by comparison, is allowing 112 points per game.
Key Numbers Before Monday’s NBA Matchup
- Boston record: 1-1
- Chicago record: 1-2
- Boston scoring average: 110.0 points per game
- Chicago scoring average: 114.7 points per game
- Boston field-goal percentage: 45.7 percent
- Chicago field-goal percentage: 40.9 percent
- Chicago three-point percentage: 22.6 percent
- Point spread: Boston favored by 14
Three-point shooting is another major concern for Chicago. The Bulls are averaging a league-worst 22.6 percent from beyond the arc. Coach Tiago Splitter urged his players to take open shots, emphasizing that improved perimeter production must come from the entire roster rather than one player.
Boston has been much more effective from long range, shooting 39.5 percent from three-point territory. However, the Celtics will need to avoid becoming overly reliant on perimeter scoring against a Chicago team capable of creating pressure through Wilson and its athletic rotation.
Boston Holds the Recent Edge
The Celtics have won nine of the teams’ last 11 meetings, giving them a clear historical advantage entering Monday’s contest. This will be the first of two meetings between Boston and Chicago this week. The Celtics will host the Bulls again Friday after facing the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday.
For Boston, the immediate objective is straightforward: protect home court and establish a winning rhythm early in the campaign. For Chicago, the challenge is to defend without giving up easy points while finding a way to turn its offensive talent into a complete performance.
The matchup could ultimately come down to pace, rebounding, and defensive execution. If Tatum maintains his scoring form, Queta controls the interior, and Walsh continues to make life difficult for opposing guards, Boston should have a strong opportunity to cover the sizable spread. Chicago, however, has enough scoring potential to make the contest competitive if its outside shooting improves.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Bulls vs Celtics game?
The game is scheduled for Monday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.
Where will the Celtics and Bulls play?
The matchup will take place at TD Garden in Boston.
How can viewers watch the game?
NBC Sports Boston will televise the game, with radio coverage available on WBZ-FM 98.5.
Who leads the Bulls in scoring?
Caleb Wilson leads Chicago at 22.3 points per game after scoring 30 points against Washington.
What is Boston’s record against Chicago recently?
The Celtics have won nine of the last 11 meetings between the teams.
