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Boston Celtics center Xavier Tillman (26) celebrates with teammates (Image via Imagn)
The Boston Celtics visit the Chicago Bulls on January 24, 2026, at the United Center in a game that matters in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings. Boston comes in at 28-16, playing steady basketball despite missing a major piece.
Chicago is 22-22 and still trying to find consistency as injuries continue to reshape its rotation.This matchup has added weight because of who is not available. Jayson Tatum remains out, forcing Boston to adjust on the fly. Chicago faces an even tougher situation, with several rotation players sidelined. What’s left is a game that will likely come down to execution, depth, and which team handles pressure better late.
Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Game Context (January 24, 2026)
Boston has stayed competitive without Tatum by leaning into structure and balance. Jaylen Brown has taken on a heavier load and responded with strong scoring nights. Chicago, playing at home, is trying to stabilize after weeks of lineup changes and uneven results. With both teams close in the standings, this game has real implications.
Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Injury Report (January 24, 2026)
Boston will be without Tatum, who is still recovering from right Achilles surgery.
Josh Minott is out with a left ankle sprain, and Max Shulga remains unavailable on a G League two-way deal. Jaylen Brown is listed as probable despite left hamstring tightness and continues to lead the team in scoring. Neemias Queta is also probable after missing time with a non-COVID illness.Chicago’s injury list is longer. Zach Collins is out with a right first toe sprain. Noa Essengue is sidelined after left shoulder surgery.
Tre Jones is dealing with a left hamstring strain, while Yuki Kawamura and Emanuel Miller are also unavailable. Josh Giddey and Patrick Williams are cleared to play, with Giddey handling much of the offense.
Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Expected Lineups (January 24, 2026)
Boston is expected to start Brown alongside Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, with Queta likely in the frontcourt if cleared. Anfernee Simons remains a key scoring option off the bench.Chicago will rely on Nikola Vucevic inside, Matas Buzelis on the wing, Ayo Dosunmu in the backcourt, and Giddey as the primary ball handler.
Jalen Smith’s role off the bench becomes more important given the lack of depth.
| Team | Probable Starters | Key Bench | Out Players |
| Celtics | Brown, White, Pritchard, Queta? | Simons, others | Tatum, Minott, Shulga |
| Bulls | Vucevic, Buzelis, Dosunmu, Giddey | Smith, Williams | Collins, Jones, Essengue |
Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Head-to-Head History
Boston holds a 138-110 advantage over Chicago in 248 regular-season games. The Celtics already beat the Bulls once this month, holding Brown to 14 points in that matchup.
Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Team Stats
Boston scores 111.6 points per game and limits opponents to around 110. Brown is averaging between 27.5 and 29.8 points and has recorded eight straight games with at least 25 points.
Derrick White continues to contribute on both ends.Chicago shoots efficiently but struggles defensively, allowing opponents to shoot nearly 47 percent from the field. Vucevic anchors the offense with steady scoring and rebounding, while Giddey contributes across the box score.
| Stat | Celtics | Bulls |
| Record | 28-16 | 22-22 |
| PPG | 111.6 | ~115 |
| FG% | .436/.471 season | .476 |
| Opp FG% | .429/.446 | .473 |
| Top Scorer | Brown (27.5–29.8) | Giddey / Vucevic (18–19) |
What Decides the Game
Boston will rely on spacing, ball movement, and Brown’s scoring to offset Tatum’s absence. Chicago needs strong guard play from Giddey and steady production from Vucevic to stay competitive. With injuries affecting both sides, execution and bench minutes may decide the outcome.





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