Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls: Game Outlook

Dec 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) returns the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) in the second half at TD Garden. Celtics defeated the Bulls 105-100. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) returns the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) in the second half at TD Garden. Celtics defeated the Bulls 105-100. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 15, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) and guard Avery Bradley (0) battle for a loose ball during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) and guard Avery Bradley (0) battle for a loose ball during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

How do the Bulls Stack Up?

The Bulls were one of the best teams in the conference for about half a decade. Tom Thibodeau pushed this team to the maximum and got not maximum results. For several years, Chicago was one of the best teams in the East, pushing LeBron and the Miami Heat, keeping the pressure on everyone during the regular season.

Things have changed. We’re in year two of Fred Hoiberg and the first season of Hoiberg without resistant veterans like Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose. They’re also predicted to finished at or under the 40-win mark. It’s an ambiguous number that doesn’t really explain if Chicago is expected to succeed and make the playoffs or if they are destined to win too many games, push themselves out of high end of the lottery and miss the playoffs.

On the other side of the ball, Boston is the real deal this year. Stevens keeps showing himself to be the best young coach in the league. This Celtics squad is projected to finish either first or second in the East, pushing the Cavaliers better than anyone else.

Everyone knows that Boston is the better team. Just how much better is what we don’t know at this point. Tonight, we’re going to get a good look and just how far apart they are.