The Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics are set to clash for the fourth time this season before the All-Star break. The reigning NBA Champions have won two of the three meetings, the first and the third of the season. Boston first defeated Chicago on November 29 by nine points in a high-scoring affair highlighted by a 42-point fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Chicago would rebound less than a month later, knocking off the Celtics in a 117-108 victory at the Garden. This time, the Bulls dropped 35 fourth-quarter points to rally and defeat the Eastern Conference's second-best team. Most recently and two days after the second bout, Boston dominated the Bulls, wire-to-wire. The Celtics won by 25 points, 123-98. Jayson Tatum led the way, scoring a season-high 43 points.
Jayson Tatum's status is up in the air
Ahead of the intra-conference foes' fourth matchup, neither Tatum nor Zach LaVine may hit the hardwood. LaVine has already been ruled out due to a personal matter—the 29-year-old swingman is awaiting the birth of his third child in Chicago.
As for Tatum, right knee tendinopathy has him on the injury report. The All-Star starter has been deemed questionable ahead of tonight's matchup. Although the injury hasn't held him out of the lineup in recent games, he's a game-time decision. The 26-year-old has struggled as of late, averaging 21.0 points and converting 40.0 percent of his field goal attempts over his last five games. A much-needed rest might be just what Tatum needs to get back on track before a three-game road stand.
Coby White is making his return earlier than anticipated
With LaVine out tonight and potentially the next two games, Coby White is a more-than-capable fill-in as Chicago's leading scorer in the backcourt. White has missed Chicago's previous four affairs due to right ankle soreness, which turned out to be a more serious bone bruise.
Coby White participated in shootaround and is trending towards playing vs. Boston. Billy Donovan originally downplayed his chance for tonight.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 29, 2025
However, less than a week after Billy Donovan deemed White's injury as one that could keep him out a week or longer, White will return to the lineup. The North Carolina product participated in shootaround this morning and felt good enough to give it a go. Billy Donovan stated that White would receive around 25-28 minutes tonight.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Torrey Craig (Right Ankle Sprain), Zach LaVine (personal).
Questionable: Coby White (Right Ankle Bone Bruise).
Boston Celtics
Out: Sam Hauser (Right Hip Impingement), Al Horford (Left Big Toe Sprain).
Questionable: Jayson Tatum (Right Knee Tendinopathy).