Boston Celtics Clash with Chicago Bulls in High-Stakes NBA Encounter
The Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls are set for an electrifying showdown at the iconic United Center tonight. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, these two storied franchises will battle it out in what promises to be a thrilling NBA contest. The Bulls, holding a 22-22 record, aim to extend their impressive four-game home winning streak, while the Celtics, with a strong 28-16 standing, look to build on their recent momentum.
Celtics Enter with Overtime Victory Momentum
Fresh off a hard-fought 130-126 overtime victory against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, the Celtics are riding high. Payton Pritchard led the charge with an outstanding performance, racking up 32 points, four rebounds, and four assists. This win came less than a day after their previous encounter, setting the stage for a more comprehensive display as they visit Chicago. The Celtics' resilience in double overtime showcases their determination, making them a formidable opponent for the Bulls.
Game Details: When and Where to Watch
The Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics matchup tips off at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. Fans can catch all the action live on NBC Sports Boston and the Chicago Sports Network. For those preferring online streaming, the game will be available on Fubo and Prime Video, ensuring no one misses out on this exciting NBA face-off.
Expected Starting Lineups
Chicago Bulls:
- PG: Josh Giddey
- SG: Coby White
- SF: Isaac Okoro
- PF: Matas Buzelis
- C: Nikola Vucevic
Boston Celtics:
- PG: Payton Pritchard
- SG: Derrick White
- SF: Jaylen Brown
- PF: Sam Hauser
- C: Neemias Queta
Injury Report: Key Players Sidelined
Chicago Bulls:
- Tre Jones - Out (Hamstring)
- Patrick Williams - Day-to-day (Sprained right ankle)
- Lachlan Olbrich - Day-to-day (Right thoracic strain)
- Josh Giddey - Day-to-day (Hamstring)
- Zach Collins - Out (Toe)
- Noa Essengue - Out (Underwent left shoulder surgery)
Boston Celtics:
- Derrick White - Day-to-day (Rest)
- Josh Minott - Out (Left ankle sprain)
- Jayson Tatum - Out (Achilles)
Game Prediction: Analyzing the Odds
Despite not having his best season, Nikola Vucevic remains a key player for the Bulls, averaging 16.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His scoring has seen an uptick in January, with an average of 19 points per game, including a standout 35-point performance against the Utah Jazz. Notably, Vucevic excels at home, averaging 17.7 points in Chicago compared to 15.9 on the road, which could give the Bulls an edge tonight.
Statistically, this game is poised to be high-scoring. In 29 out of 44 games this season, the Bulls and their opponents have exceeded the current point total of 230.5. Similarly, the Celtics have surpassed this mark in 21 of their 44 games. Combined, these teams average 235.1 points per game, which is 4.6 points above the over/under line. Their opponents have averaged 230.1 points, just 0.4 below the total, indicating a tight contest.
As favorites, the Bulls have won 10 out of 21 games this season, translating to a 47.6% win rate. With home-court advantage and Vucevic's improved form, they might have a slight edge, but the Celtics' recent overtime victory and strong roster depth make this matchup unpredictable and exciting for NBA fans.
