October 25, 2026 at 3:15 AM UTC

Pregame Analysis

Celtics Look to Build on Tatum's Rebound Against a Thin Bulls Frontcourt

By How we produce articles

Boston's rediscovered star power and Chicago's injury list point toward a Celtics win.

Jayson Tatum is the story in Boston heading into this one. After shooting 6-of-23 in the season opener, he answered with 36 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in the 107-103 home win over the Knicks. He also leads the Celtics in assists and rebounds, so his impact goes beyond scoring. If he stays in that rhythm, Chicago will have a hard time finding any defensive answer that doesn't leave something else open.

Paul George gives Tatum a second scoring option after the Jaylen Brown trade. George scored 38 in his Celtics debut and added 15 against New York, so the early returns show a player who can carry the offense or take a lighter share when Tatum is rolling. Boston has already shown it can win with those two sharing the load, and that flexibility matters against a team that may not be able to match its size.

That size gap is where the Bulls are most vulnerable. Patrick Williams (groin), Noa Essengue (head contusion) and Nic Claxton (hamstring) are all listed out, which strips Chicago's frontcourt depth. Mitchell Robinson, who signed with Boston after winning a title with the Knicks, gives the Celtics another center option to exploit that shortage. Boston can attack the interior and wear down whatever rotation Chicago pieces together.

The Celtics are coming off a 121-113 opening loss at Detroit and a bounce-back win, and the home crowd should help them keep that momentum. Chicago will need an unusually clean night to stay close for four quarters. Expect Boston to pull away in the second half behind Tatum and George.

Prediction: Celtics 114, Bulls 105.

All game reports