After a win in Milwaukee on Saturday night, the Celtics are back to work tonight in Chicago against former assistant coach Tom Thibodeau and his Chicago Bulls. The Celtics put out their third different lineup of the young season on Saturday and it paid dividends: Jason Terry scored 15 points.
In their first trip to Chicago, the Celtics will face a Bulls team that has faired well so far at 4-2
Projected lineups:
Celtics:
Rajon Rondo
Jason Terry
Paul Pierce
Brandon Bass
Kevin Garnett
Bulls:
Nate Robinson
Richard Hamilton
Luol Deng
Carlos Boozer
Joakim Noah
Keys to the game:
1. Running on Rondo: The last time these two teams met, it was the first of a barrage of triple-doubles on national televised games by the one Rajon Rondo. That game was played without Derrick Rose, and so won't this game. Bringing back Kirk Hinrich was a great move, but he is doubtful for tonight's game with a strained right hip. Former Celtic Nate Robinson is expected to start in his place. He's done an exceptional game so far, averaging 11.5 points a game and 4.2 assists. No disrespect to Nate, but this should be a matchup that Rondo should absolutely exploit. Unless he totally overlooks Robinson, look for Rondo to dominate.
2. Smalls: By looking at the lack of height on the Bulls roster, it looks like the Celtics will have to play small ball again, and it worked out successfully on Saturday. The lineup Doc Rivers threw out on Saturday will probably be the same to match up with the Bulls.
3. Defense: The Celtics are coming off one of their better defensive performances of the year, but they're still 23rd in the league in points allowed. On the other hand, Chicago is 4th in points allowed. This should be a low-scoring affair. Let's see if the Celtics can match the Bulls defensive intensity, and if they can, Celtics fans will like the result.
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