The Boston Celtics (34-19, 2nd in East) wrap up their pre-All-Star schedule on Wednesday night with a highly anticipated rematch against the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden — and it comes with extra storyline juice.
Just one week after trading Anfernee Simons to Chicago for Nikola Vučević, both players are set to face their former teams for the first time. Neither appears on the injury report, so expect both to play meaningful minutes.
Injury Report & Availability Updates
Celtics:
- Sam Hauser (low back spasms) — Probable (upgrade from questionable Sunday; has missed 3 games this season).
- Neemias Queta (right ankle sprain) — Probable (tweaked ankle vs. Knicks Sunday; also missed only 3 games total).
- Jayson Tatum (right Achilles repair) — Out (still listed as such, but he’s now in full-court 5-on-5 scrimmages with Maine Celtics/Stay Ready Group — return watch is officially on for early March).
Bulls:
- Josh Giddey (hamstring) — Doubtful
- Tre Jones (hamstring) — Doubtful
- Jalen Smith (calf) — Doubtful
- Zach Collins — Out
- Noa Essengue — Out
Chicago will be shorthanded, giving Boston a favorable matchup to carry momentum into the break.
Simons vs. Vučević: The Trade Reunion
- Anfernee Simons (with Bulls): Started all 3 games since the trade, averaging 20 PPG, 5.3 APG on 48.9% FG in 32.7 MPG. In Boston (49 games): 14.2 PPG on 44% FG in 24.5 MPG.
- Nikola Vučević (with Celtics): Debuted Friday vs. Miami (11 pts, 12 reb, 4 ast off bench). Expected to see expanded role vs. former team — could even start if Celtics shift away from double-big (Queta/Garza) experiment.
Mazzulla has praised Vučević’s fit, but the team’s shooting and third-quarter issues persist. Simons’ return to TD Garden will be emotional — he spent years here developing into a microwave scorer.
Tatum Return Watch Officially Begins
Tatum participated in full-court 5-on-5 controlled scrimmages Monday with the Stay Ready Group (Hugo Gonzalez, Amari Williams, etc.) — the final major stage before clearance. He’s still listed Out vs. Chicago, but the ramp-up is progressing.
Tatum has said he wants his first game back at home (TD Garden), so a return during the post-break road trip is unlikely. Early March dates circled:
- March 1 vs. Philadelphia (home)
- March 4 vs. Charlotte (home)
Those games follow a tough West Coast trip and precede another road swing — perfect timing for a jolt.
What’s at Stake Tonight
- Celtics can carry momentum into the break with a win (would be 6-1 in last 7).
- Bulls are shorthanded and likely prioritizing health/tank — Boston should control the game.
- Vučević vs. former team adds intrigue; Simons’ return to TD Garden will be loud.
Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. ET (or check local listings — time may vary).
Celtics fans — are you more excited for Vučević’s revenge game or Simons’ return to Boston? How soon do you think Tatum debuts (early March feels right)? And do you like the double-big experiment continuing? Let me know your predictions below — last game before the break!