NBA Game Today: Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics - January 4, 2026

🏀 Today's matchup features the Chicago Bulls taking on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden in Boston.

📺 Broadcast: NBC SPORTS BOSTON

⏰ Tip-off Time: 1/6/2026, 12:30:00 AM

Match Preview

Get hyped, basketball fans, because the NBA game today is set to be an electrifying showdown between the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics. As these two storied franchises lock horns on January 4, 2026, at the iconic TD Garden, NBC SPORTS BOSTON is your go-to channel for all the on-court action. This clash promises to be a classic in the making, with fans waiting to see who will rise to the occasion in one of the most anticipated NBA matchups of the year. So grab your favorite jersey, settle in, and let's dive into what we can expect from these two powerhouses.

When talking key player matchups, we can't ignore the battle between Chicago's dynamic duo of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan and Boston's rising stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. LaVine's explosive athleticism paired with DeRozan's clutch scoring will be a handful for any defense, but Tatum and Brown are no slouches themselves. Known for their versatility and tenacity, the Celtics' wing pair will be eager to impose their will, making this matchup a highlight reel waiting to happen. Trust me, folks – this one’s got alley-oops and poster dunks written all over it.

Diving into team strengths, the Bulls have been cruising on their transition game and relentless offense, ranking among the top in fast-break points. However, their defense hasn’t always held up its end of the bargain. To snag a W, Chicago needs to tighten their defensive rotations and ensure they don't let the Celtics get open looks from downtown. As for Boston, their strength lies in a smothering defense that can switch everything and gives offenses nightmares. Yet, they sometimes struggle with scoring consistency. To clinch this matchup, they must move the ball effectively and capitalize on every opportunity the Bulls’ defense offers.

So what do the Bulls and Celtics need to do to secure a victory? For Chicago, it's all about striking fast and hard, setting the tempo and forcing Boston into a fast-paced game. They thrive in chaos, so a scrappy game is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Bulls. On the other hand, the Celtics will look to slow things down, controlling the pace and making the Bulls play a half-court game. Expect Boston to lean heavily on their defense, forcing Chicago to take tough shots and trying to exploit any mismatches they can find.

Alright, here’s where I put my NBA bro hat on and predict the future. You heard it here first: this game is going down to the wire, but I’ve got the Celtics making a statement on their home floor with a razor-thin win. Tatum and Brown will shine under the TD Garden lights, while Al Horford is gonna channel his inner time machine to snag some crucial boards. But don't count out the Bulls – it's gonna be a back-and-forth thriller that'll have you on the edge of your seat until the final buzzer. Get ready for a showdown that’ll have everyone in Boston and Chicago buzzing for days. Basketball heaven, here we come!

🔥 Stay tuned for updates on today’s Bulls vs Celtics NBA matchup!