Chicago Bulls Face Boston Celtics in NBA Cup Group Play Matchup

The Chicago Bulls are set to visit TD Garden on Friday night to face the Boston Celtics as part of the 2026 NBA Cup Group Play. The matchup marks the second meeting between the two teams within the week, following Boston's dominant 134-99 victory over Chicago on Monday night.

Chicago enters the game struggling with a 1-4 record to start the season. The team is looking to bounce back from a narrow 133-127 home loss to the New York Knicks, a game where the Bulls blew a 19-point lead as the defending champions mounted a strong fourth-quarter comeback.

The Celtics, meanwhile, hold a 3-1 record and are aiming to sweep a four-game homestand. Boston is coming off an overtime victory against Brooklyn on Tuesday night, continuing a strong early-season performance led by forward Jayson Tatum, who has been averaging 28 points per game.

Injuries continue to plague the Bulls' roster as they prepare for Friday's contest. Center Nic Claxton remains sidelined as he recovers from a strained left hamstring sustained during training camp, though coach Tiago Splitter noted that Claxton is nearing a return and has resumed conditioning work.

Additional roster concerns impact the Chicago lineup. Jalen Smith is dealing with a sprained left finger, Patrick Williams is managing a right adductor strain after missing the first five games, and Tobe Awaka is listed as questionable with a sprained right ankle.

Despite the challenging start and mounting injuries, the Bulls hope to find their footing against a formidable Boston squad. The Celtics have historically dominated recent matchups, winning five of the last six games against Chicago.

The game carries extra significance as an NBA Cup opener, where point differentials serve as critical tiebreakers in group play. Tip-off at TD Garden is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., with local television coverage provided by CHSN and NBCSB.