Celtics at Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are having a hard time keeping their guards healthy. With Derrick Rose recovering from knee surgery and expected back in the new year, veteran Kirk Hinrich went down with a strained right hip. Nate Robinson stepped up on Saturday and will likely log considerable minutes on Monday as the Bulls host his former team, the Boston Celtics.
Robinson did his best to deflate any personal issues when asked about the contest. "It's not about me facing my former team," he said. "It's about us as a team, trying to get a win." Robinson had 18 points off the bench and Joakim Noah added 17 on Saturday as Chicago posted an 87-80 victory over Minnesota.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ComcastSportsNet New England (Boston), ComcastSportsNet (Chicago)
ABOUT THE CELTICS (3-3): While Chicago is dealing with issues at its point guard position, Rajon Rondo is once again performing quite nicely. Rondo is averaging an NBA-best 13.3 assists per game and was instrumental in guiding Boston to a 96-92 victory over Milwaukee on Saturday. Rondo is carrying a streak of 30 consecutive regular season games with double-digit assists.
ABOUT THE BULLS (4-2): Hinrich, who underwent an MRI on Sunday, is listed as day-to-day by the team. The veteran guard has already accumulated three separate injuries this season - and in his absence, Marquis Teague may see additional minutes while backing up Robinson. "I know Marquis and I will be ready and hope we hold it down until Kirk gets back and also Rose," Robinson said.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Boston's Jason Terry earned his first start on Saturday. The 35-year-old is shooting 50 percent from the field (25-for-50) this season while registering only one turnover in each of his last four games.
2. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau admitted that while he's friendly with Celtics coach Doc Rivers, the line ends there. "I wish them well all the time, except for when they play us," Thibodeau said of his former team.
3. Chicago won three of the four meetings with Boston last season - including both contests at home.