The Boston Celtics look to win their sixth straight game and ninth home game of the season as they take on the Chicago Bulls for the second time this season.
The Bulls (9-7) come into this matchup 4-5 on the road. Forward Carlos Boozer, Chicago's prized offseason signing, will be in action for just the second time all season, coming off a hand injury that sidelined him through the preseason.
The Celtics are on a roll as of late, having won five straight, including Wednesday's 99-95 victory over the Portland Trailblazers, despite giving up a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter. Boston also owns the league's best home record with an 8-1 mark at the TD Banknorth Garden.
Rajon Rondo has returned strong since missing a few games with a hamstring injury and recorded another double-double Wednesday night. Rondo has recorded at least 10 points and 10 assists in his last two games. He will likely have the honors of guarding Bulls point guard Derrick Rose, whom some call the Top-2 point guards in the league right now.
Paul Pierce is coming off a strong performance against the Blazers, scoring 28 points to lead all scorers in the game.
Ray Allen, however, has been struggling of late, only managing nine points Wednesday and was 1-of-6 from behind the arc,. Allen has struggled with the three ball in last three games, going a combined 5-for-15 from beyond the arc. But in his last performance against the Bulls, Allen led the way for the Celtics with 25 points.
With Delonte West sidelined, the Celtics bench has done a good job picking up the slack. Glen Davis has been great as he has been averaging 17 points and about 7 rebounds in his last three games. Although he didn't have a good performance against on Wednesday, Marquis Daniels has stepped up well in place of West as he turned in a 16-point performance in Boston's 106-87 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Bulls and the Celtics are scheduled to tip-off at 8:00 p.m. EST.