All eyes were on TD Garden in Boston on Wednesday night as the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls squared off for their final NBA game before the much-anticipated All-Star Break. With tipoff set at 7:30 p.m. ET, fans packed the arena and tuned in across NBC Sports Boston and Chicago Sports Network, eager to see how these two Eastern Conference rivals would fare in their third and final meeting of the season.
Heading into the matchup, the Celtics boasted an impressive 34-19 record, holding firmly to second place in the Eastern Conference. They were half a game ahead of the surging New York Knicks, 1.5 games up on the Cleveland Cavaliers, and 2.5 games clear of the Toronto Raptors. With the postseason on the horizon, every win mattered—and Boston was keen to maintain its edge as the break approached.
On the other side, the Chicago Bulls arrived in Boston with a 24-30 record, sitting 11th in the East and fighting to stay in the playoff conversation. The Bulls had recently shaken up their roster at the trade deadline, making bold moves in hopes of finding the right chemistry for a late-season push. The team’s new look, however, was still a work in progress, and questions lingered about how quickly their recent acquisitions could gel on the court.
Fans tuning in for free via DIRECTV and FuboTV—both offering enticing trial periods—were treated to a contest loaded with intrigue. Not only was this the last outing for both squads before the All-Star festivities, but there was also a sense of unfinished business in the air. The Bulls had snatched a 114-111 victory in their previous meeting, thanks to a dramatic Kevin Huerter buzzer-beater, leaving the Celtics hungry for payback on their home floor.
Adding to the drama, Boston entered the game as a hefty 13.5-point favorite, with oddsmakers setting the over/under at 226.5 total points. The Celtics were a -700 favorite to win outright, while the Bulls were pegged as +500 underdogs, reflecting the perceived gap between the two rosters at this stage of the season. For those keeping track of betting trends, Boston’s head coach Joe Mazzulla had an 11-6 record against the spread at home when facing teams he’d lost to in the previous regular season matchup—a stat that certainly caught the attention of savvy bettors.
But the Celtics had more than just revenge on their minds. With Jaylen Brown averaging nearly 30 points per game and serving as the team’s lone representative at the upcoming All-Star Game in Los Angeles, Boston was eager to send a message to the rest of the league. Brown’s scoring prowess and leadership had been essential to the Celtics’ success so far, and fans wondered if he’d put on another show before heading west for the midseason showcase.
Meanwhile, the Bulls were navigating uncharted territory. The recent trade deadline saw significant changes, including the departure of Nikola Vucevic, who had been instrumental in Chicago’s previous win over Boston with a stat line of 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. Now, with Vucevic donning different colors, the Bulls had to find new ways to match up against Boston’s size and skill.
Chicago’s new-look roster featured Collin Sexton, who quickly stepped into a leadership role, and Jalen Smith, eager to prove himself against his former teammate Vucevic. The game also marked a revenge opportunity for Anfernee Simons, who’d been dealt by Boston for Vucevic just a week prior. While these fresh faces brought energy and potential, the Bulls were still missing their key connector, Josh Giddey, leaving the team’s offensive cohesion in question.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that offense would be the name of the game. The Bulls, now known for their three-point barrage, had seen their last four games soar over the total points line by an average of 16.5 points per contest. This trend set the stage for a high-scoring affair, especially with Boston’s defense often vulnerable to perimeter shooting—the Celtics allowed the third-most three-pointers in the league and ranked 13th in opponent three-point percentage.
Boston’s own offensive approach wasn’t to be overlooked. The Celtics took and made more threes than the Bulls, and with a home crowd behind them, they looked poised to push the pace despite their typically glacial tempo. The matchup promised an up-and-down, pre-All-Star shootout, with both teams eager to light up the scoreboard and head into the break on a high note.
For the Bulls, the challenge was twofold: keep pace with Boston’s firepower while continuing to integrate their new additions. Without Giddey to orchestrate the offense, Chicago relied heavily on Sexton’s aggression and Smith’s versatility. The team’s undersized lineup faced a daunting task in containing Boston’s wings and guards, especially with Jayson Tatum’s presence looming large—even if Tatum wasn’t the focal point, his ability to draw defenders and create open looks for teammates was a constant threat.
On the Celtics’ side, the focus was on execution and maintaining momentum. Joe Mazzulla’s squad had a reputation for bouncing back at home, especially when seeking revenge for a previous loss. With Brown leading the charge and the supporting cast eager to make a statement before the All-Star festivities, Boston pushed the tempo and looked to exploit Chicago’s defensive vulnerabilities.
As the game wore on, fans witnessed a flurry of three-pointers, fast breaks, and highlight-reel plays. The Bulls, true to recent form, refused to back down, firing from deep and keeping the scoreline competitive even as Boston threatened to pull away. The Celtics, for their part, leaned on their depth and discipline, methodically building a lead while never letting Chicago get too comfortable.
With the All-Star Break on the horizon, both teams knew the importance of setting the right tone for the second half of the season. For Boston, a win would solidify their standing near the top of the conference and send a message to their rivals. For Chicago, a strong showing—even in defeat—would offer hope that their revamped roster could find its rhythm and make a push for the playoffs.
As the final buzzer approached, the intensity never let up. The Celtics appeared poised to avenge their earlier loss and head into the break with momentum, but the Bulls’ resilience and willingness to keep firing kept the outcome hanging in the balance. Fans, both in the arena and watching from home, were treated to a thrilling contest that showcased the best of NBA competition—a fitting sendoff before the league’s brightest stars gathered for the All-Star festivities.
With the action at TD Garden concluded, attention now shifts to Los Angeles and the All-Star Game, where Jaylen Brown will carry Boston’s hopes. Meanwhile, the Bulls and Celtics will regroup, reflect, and prepare for the stretch run. If this matchup was any indication, the Eastern Conference race is far from settled—and both teams will have plenty to say in the weeks ahead.