Game 27: Bulls at Celtics

By Gary Dzen

February 12, 2012

2 minutes to read

By Gary Dzen, Globe Staff

Just when it looked as if the Celtics might be back on track, a heartbreaking loss to the Lakers and a disheartening loss in Toronto have shifted our viewpoint on this team. Again. In this shortened season, getting too high or too low on the Celtics has become a sport in itself.

There’s no ambiguity in this afternoon’s matchup. The Celtics probably aren’t title contenders this season, while the Bulls most certainly are. Chicago is the first team ever to win four consecutive road games by 20 points or more. They handled their business Friday night in Charlotte, while the Celtics squandered a similar opportunity Friday in Toronto. It’s clear that there aren’t any freebies for the Celtics anymore. Today’s game most definitely isn’t.

Tip-off: 3:30 p.m.
Records: Celtics (14-12), Bulls (23-6)
Broadcast info: ABC (Ch. 5), WEEI 93.7 FM/850 AM (Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell)

Probable starters:

Celtics:
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Ray Allen
SF: Paul Pierce
PF: Kevin Garnett
C: Jermaine O’Neal

Bulls:
PG: Derrick Rose
SG: Ronnie Brewer
SF: Luol Deng
PF: Carlos Boozer
C: Joakim Noah

Storylines:

Style control: The Celtics fared pretty well when these teams last met, making it a game before losing, 88-79, on Jan. 13. Still, despite contending in that game, Chicago controlled the tempo and style of the game and imposed their defensive will on the Celtics. The Bulls are the most impressive team in the NBA so far this season because they’re capable of putting their style up against any other team and taking them out of their game. Against a Celtics team that already has enough trouble scoring, this could be ugly.

Matchup problems: On paper, this is another brutal game for the Celtics. Derrick Rose is the best point guard in the league, negating any advantage the Celtics usually have with Rajon Rondo. Luol Deng gives Paul Pierce fits. And Joakim Noah is exactly the kind of young, energetic center Kevin Garnett struggles with.

Mr. Annoying: Watch Joakim Noah and tell me you wouldn’t want that guy on your team. He’s a monster in the paint on defense, and he’s seemingly in on every play on that end of the court. He’ll take the Celtics out of a lot of their offensive sets.