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Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics: Game outlook for final game before All-Star break

By Ben Rains

Jan 20, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) dunks against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 102-93. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) dunks against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 102-93. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jimmy Butler and the Chicago Bulls look to build some positive momentum as they head into the All-Star break when they take on the Boston Celtics on Thursday night at home.

Next: Film Room: Butler dishing dimes

Coming off a win Tuesday night against the Toronto Raptors, making it 11 in a row against Toronto, the Bulls go for two straight against two of the top four teams in the Eastern Conference as the Boston Celtics visit the United Center.

The trade deadline is looming, and it seems three Bulls are on the trading block.

Jimmy Butler, Robin Lopez and Taj Gibson could all be on the move ahead of next Thursday’s NBA trade deadline on Feb. 23. The Boston Celtics have been connected to Butler since last season. And now, with the GarPax regime in place at least through next season, a trade seems more than possible. The merits of almost any Butler trade don’t seem reasonable, but there is no time for that speculation here.

Tonight’s game at the United Center is pivotal. The Bulls’ energy and play will signal the team’s commitment to a second-half playoff push. For all the up and downs of the 2016-17 season, the Bulls can easily make the playoffs and challenge anyone but the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.

Butler will play tonight against the Celtics. Nikola Mirotic could play, but Paul Zipser will sit. Dwyane Wade will also sit out for the fourth straight game because of a sickness. In the long run, an extended break for Wade could prove to be great for the Bulls if they do want to make a playoff push.

The Celtics come into the United Center, winners of 11 of their last 12 games. Boston’s massive run has propelled them to within striking distance of the Cavaliers. Isaiah Thomas, the NBA’s second-leading scorer, has been on fire all year. The All-Star guard will look to show out tonight on TNT.

The Bulls have played the Celtics twice this season. Both matchups came in the first four games of the season and the Bulls split the contests.

Thursday night games on TNT are always fun, and the Bulls love them just about as much as anyone. Coming into tonight’s game, the Bulls have won 16 straight TNT Thursday night games at home.

Now, on to the fun stuff.

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