Boston Celtics travel to Chicago to take on the Bulls on Wednesday, aiming to maintain a top two push in the East.
The Celtics currently are second in the standings, tied with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers (49-30). At the same time, they are 2.5 behind conference leaders Miami Heat (52-28).
With 13 wins in the last 16 games, Boston seeks to build a winning streak ahead of the playoffs. The Celtics are coming off a blowout victory over the Washington Wizards (102-144) and want to continue that way in their three-game, season-ending trip.
The Celtics will play the Bulls, Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies in their remaining regular season games. With three victories, they could overcome the Heat on top. A three-game skid, though, could bring them as low as fifth.
“A lot of it obviously has to do with seeding and standings and kind of what happens as far as that. We’re going one by one, honestly, and start with Chicago.
Based on results and whatever else happens around us, it’s a back-to-back, so we’re just taking it (to) Chicago first and then figuring it out down the line,” Boston head coach Ime Udoka said pregame, via NBA.com.
On the other hand, the Bulls want to return to the winning track following their blowout loss to the Bucks (127-106).
Despite the heavy defeat and the season sweep (4-0), Chicago advanced to the postseason for the first time in 5 years.
Zach LaVine will return to the lineup after sitting out the game vs Milwaukee, while Alex Caruso will be out with a back injury.
Earlier today, the team ruled guard Lonzo Ball out for the remainder of the season. Ball underwent surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee on January 28 in Los Angeles.
The Bulls (45-34) are 2-20 vs the top four teams in the East and West and know they will face a tough opponent in the first round.
A three-game winning streak will let them fight for the fifth place in the East, as they have the tiebreaker over the Toronto Raptors (46-33). Whoever claims the victory tonight will also win the season series (currently at 1-1).
According to @chicagobulls head coach Billy Donovan, @ACFresh21 is out vs @celtics with back injury Zach LaVine returns to the lineup after missing Tuesday's game vs @Bucks #BullsNation — Hedge_out (@hedge_out) April 6, 2022
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