Chicago Bulls (26-29) vs. Boston Celtics (43-12) in Game #56 on 2/22/24

Chicago Bulls (26-29) vs. Boston Celtics (43-12) in Game #56 on 2/22/24.

The Celtics begin the stretch run with a visit to the Chicago Bulls and look to add to their 6 game win streak.

After the All-Star break, the Celtics travel to Chicago to start their final stretch push. Between these two teams this season, this is the second of three games. On November 28, in Boston, the opening game was won by the Celtics, 124-97. On March 23, they will have their third and last meeting in Chicago. Each of these two teams won two games at home to tie the series 2-2 the previous year.

As of right now, the Celtics lead the East by six games over Cleveland in second place, Milwaukee in third place, New York in fourth place, Philadelphia in fifth place, and Indiana in sixth place by 8.5 games. They’ve won 8 of their previous 10 games and are 17-9 away from home. They have won their previous six games and are 30-6 against opponents from the Eastern Conference.

The Bulls, who are assured of a postseason berth, are currently in ninth place, 6.5 games behind Indiana in sixth. They trail Miami in seventh position and Orlando in eighth place by four games. They are fading out of the race with two games to spare against Atlanta in tenth position and Brooklyn in eleventh.

The Celtics will play three home games against Philadelphia, Dallas, and Golden State following their game against Chicago. Following that, they will go to New York and play five road games against Cleveland, Denver, Phoenix, Portland, and Utah. The Bulls’ upcoming games are against New Orleans, Detroit, Cleveland, and Milwaukee at home.

Only Jaden Springer of the Celtics is listed as injured due to an ankle impingement. He is doubtful for this game because he has missed the previous four. His status will be decided at the start of play. After missing the first four games following his trade deadline acquisition to Boston, Xavier Tillman should be eligible for his first game as a Celtic.

Due to a knee injury, Lonzo Ball, who hasn’t played for Chicago since January 2021, will miss the rest of the campaign. Zach LaVine’s foot injury will keep him out of the game for the rest of the campaign. Torrey Craig will miss this game due to a knee injury sustained during the All-Star break during his workout. Since January 25, Patrick Williams has missed games because to