Final: Celtics 138, Bulls 129 - Pritchard's monster 4th leads C's to 7th straight

BOSTON CELTICS (15-3) at CHICAGO BULLS (8-12)

United Center, 8 p.m. - NBCS Boston

Line: Boston -11.5

INJURIES

Boston: None

Chicago: Patrick Williams (OUT, foot)

This is the final Emirates NBA Cup pool play game for the Celtics (2-1)

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Kristaps Porzingis minutes: He had a few days off so he should be feeling good after his debut. But the Celtics have a lot of games coming up. He’s definitely on a minutes restriction, but let’s see if that leads to any uptick over his first game.

2. Better … or maybe different … defense: This is the first game of the season where Joe Mazzulla will have every player at his disposal. I’m watching for substitution pattern shifts and some schematic changes in how they defend. Will they still sell out to defend the 3 or will they lean back into protecting the rim? 

3. Point differential: The Celtics need to win this game by as much as possible, but at least by 16 to give themselves a chance at this NBA Cup wild card. They can’t win the group anymore because Atlanta beat Cleveland. If you care, here are the scenarios: 

Follow along with my thoughts as the game goes on. They’ll show up below and in the comments section, so hop in and share your opinion as well.