Date/Time: Friday, January 13th, 8 p.m. ET, Comcast Sports Net, Boston, MA

Game Overview

The Chicago Bulls hope guard Derrick Rose returns from a one-game absence when they visit the Boston Celtics this Friday night. Rose, who missed Wednesday’s victory over the Washington Wizards because of a sprained toe, was still in a walking boot early today, but said he would be playing the game against the Boston Celtics as he recovers from his injury.

In its last game, Chicago didn’t miss Rose as reserve John Lucas III stepped in at the point in a 78-64 victory over the Wizards last Wednesday. Thanks to this victory, the Bulls, which hold an impressive 6-2 on the road record, is tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the NBA’s top mark.

Boston has lost back-to-back games, including Wednesday’s 90-85 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Point guard Rajon Rondo had 24 points against Dallas and will again be counted on heavily regardless of Rose’s condition. Boston is 2-2 on a five-game homestand that closes with the game vs. Chicago.

ABOUT THE BULLS (10-2)

Even if Chicago can’t fully replace Rose, John Lucas III can help the team to achieve another victory on the road. His performance showed that he can be counted on a pinch and can be a valuable contributor. Lucas did a pretty good job against Washington in his first career start. Lucas had a career-high 25 points to go with eight rebounds and eight assists. The 29-year-old journeyman is normally the third-string point guard but played 45-plus minutes with both Rose and C.J. Watson (elbow) sidelined.  Chicago guard Richard Hamilton (groin) has missed seven of the last eight games and his status for Friday is unclear.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (4-5)

Boston was outscored 17-0 on second-chance points in the loss to the Mavericks. The Celtics have missed the interior presence of Kendrick Perkins (traded last season), and current center Jermaine O’Neal isn’t much of a banger. In Boston’s previous game against Indiana, the Pacers had a 19-5 edge on second-chance points. The Celtics are averaging 8.4 offensive boards, second-lowest in the NBA. Celtics forward Paul Pierce will play in his 971st career game, tying Kevin McHale’s record for third-most games in franchise history.

Game Odds:

The Bulls and Celtics met four times last season with the home team winning each game (2-2). The Bulls are currently listed on WagerWeb.com as a 1.5 point favorite to win the game. Additionally, the over is listed on Inspin.com as a 2 Star Pick. To see the available NBA odds, please click here.

Chicago Bulls: -1.5, ML -130    
Boston Celtics: +1.5, ML +110
Total:  177, o/u -110

Boston Trends

Celtics are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog of 11.0 or greater. 100%
Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5. 80.00 %
Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. 80.00 %
Celtics are 11-3-1 ATS in their last 15 games as a home underdog. 78.57 %
Celtics are 11-3-1 ATS in their last 15 games as a home underdog of 0.5-4.5. 78.57%

Chicago Trends

Bulls are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Friday games. 100.00 %
Bulls are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. 100%
Bulls are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games. 83.33 %
Bulls are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. 83.33 %
Bulls are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.  80.00 %

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