Final: Bulls 120, Celtics 102 - Mazzulla, Williams ejected as C's crumble after hot start

Game 4: Celtics (-6) vs. Bulls, United Center, 8PM, NBCSN

Injuries: Boston - Danilo Gallinari, Robert Williams. Chicago - Lonzo Ball

Chicago probable starters: Ayo Dosunmu, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Williams, Nikola, Vucevic

Refs: Marc Davis (#8), Natalie Sago (#9), Cheryl Flores (#91)

A little something about the game: Al Horford returns for Boston after missing the back-to-back in Orlando. The Celtics are hoping to get their fourth win in a row behind Eastern Conference Player of the Week Jayson Tatum. The Bulls surprised Miami on opening night with a win on the road and they should have had a chance to beat the Washington Wizards. They lost by 2 but the Last Two Minute report showed DeMar DeRozan was fouled on a 3-pointer and should have had three free throws and a chance to win the game. They got roasted by Cleveland a couple of nights ago in their home opener. Zach LaVine will play, but is being handled carefully after knee surgery. They held him out of the front-end of the back-to-back against Washington and Cleveland, and he only played 28 minutes in the loss. 

How Boston wins: Their second unit has a chance to really outclass Chicago in this one. They gave up 56 bench points to the Cavaliers, and Boston has a chance to capitalize in the same way. Malcolm Brogdon has a chance to shine in this one since the Bulls will have real trouble defending with their bench. The Bulls are also known to have some defensive lapses, even with Alex Caruso on the floor, so the Celtics can keep attacking the way they have and it will pay off. There are points in the paint to be had.  

How Chicago wins: The Celtics defense is choosing to give up the long-two, which puts DeRozan right in his wheelhouse. The Celtics could just choose to stay home on everyone else, protect the rim at all costs, and deal with whatever DeRozan throws at them. The issue is, it could be a 50-piece if they're not careful, so the Celtics either have to (a) be perfect on everyone else and clear away defensive rebounds or (b) play further up on DeRozan pick-and-rolls and disrupt his flow. If they choose the second option, it will open up rim opportunities for Chicago. DeRozan can certainly get hot and if Boston overreacts, it could spell trouble. 

Things I’m looking for:

- Jaylen Brown bounceback: He had a tough night against the Magic. It happens, so I’m looking for a more focused JB coming out and putting a lot of pressure on Chicago right away. 

- Work for good shots: There's always a risk of a team on a roll getting in their own way by getting away from what they do. Keep pushing the ball to get the easy opportunities and then work the ball on offense to get the in-rhythm looks that have fueled the NBA’s best offensive rating so far this season. 

- Marcus Smart calming down: He’s off to a tough start with his shooting, shooting just 2-17 (11.8%). He forced a few against Orlando, and he showed some obvious frustration with his shooting the way he reacted to the one that fell. He just needs to relax and play the game the Celtics need him to play and the shots will eventually fall. 

Follow along below or in the comments during the game, chime in, and let’s have fun.