Bulls Face Celtics Without LaVine as Boston Seeks Redemption

BOSTON — The Chicago Bulls will face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Wednesday night without their leading scorer, Zach LaVine, who is tending to a personal matter, according to Bulls coach Billy Donovan. The Celtics, currently second in the Eastern Conference, are looking to rebound from recent inconsistent performances, including a 114-112 loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday.

The Bulls enter the game with a 20-27 record after snapping a five-game home losing streak with a 129-121 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday. LaVine, who is averaging 24.0 points per game this season, scored a team-high 21 points in that win. However, he will miss the upcoming three-game road trip, including Wednesday’s matchup, as he and his wife, Hunter, prepare for the birth of their third child.

Boston, meanwhile, has struggled at home recently, posting a 6-6 record in its last 12 games and losing three of its last five at TD Garden. The Celtics are also dealing with injuries, as Derrick White (shin) is expected to play, while Sam Hauser (hip), Al Horford (toe), and Jayson Tatum (knee) remain questionable.

The Bulls and Celtics have split their two previous matchups this season. Chicago secured a 117-108 victory in Boston on Dec. 19, with LaVine scoring 36 points. However, Boston dominated the other two games, winning 138-129 on Nov. 29 and 123-98 on Dec. 21, both in Chicago. In the latter game, Tatum delivered a standout performance with 43 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Statistically, the teams are closely matched in scoring, with the Bulls averaging 116.7 points per game and the Celtics at 117.2. However, Boston holds a significant defensive edge, allowing just 108.5 points per game compared to Chicago’s 120.0. Both teams excel from beyond the arc, with Chicago averaging 16 three-pointers per game and Boston at 17.7.

“This is the way we’re supposed to be playing,” LaVine said after Monday’s win over Denver. “First unit, second unit — we played with energy, we played through runs. When they (bench players) give us a boost like that, it’s great.”

Boston enters the game as a 14.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 232.5 points. The Celtics have won seven of their last 10 games against the Bulls, but Chicago’s recent victory over Denver could provide momentum heading into Wednesday’s matchup.