The Celtics are coming off a so-so performance as they gutted out a win in overtime over the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday. The C’s didn’t always shine bright in that one and lost a six point lead with under a minute a half left, but managed to pull it out thanks to the play of Paul Pierce down the stretch.

The Bulls, meanwhile, will be playing a back-to-back after losing to the Knicks last night. New York went off from beyond the arc, hitting 16 of 24 threes, and Chicago couldn’t overcome the opposition’s hot hand despite a valiant comeback attempt after being down almost 20 points.The loss dropped Chicago to 2-2 on the season, and it will be looking to get back on track. This also gives the C’s a chance to see old friends Brian Scalabrine and Tom Thibodeau, the new Chicago coach who comes back to Boston on the heels of his first real controversy as a head coach.

Here’s a few things to watch out for.

1) Another test for Rondo: After outplaying Brandon Jennings, Rajon Rondo gets no rest as he has to face off against Derrick Rose. The former Rookie of the Year has already had his breakout performance with 39 points against Detroit, and he was actually the second leading scorer in the league heading into last night’s game against New York (the Bulls also boast the league’s top rebounder in Joakim Noah).

In fact, the last time these two saw each other Rose put up that same number against Rondo. In fact, in Rose was in double digits in scoring in every game last season against the Celtics. It’s clear that Rondo can’t keep him from scoring, but Rose couldn’t stop Rondo from putting up lofty assists numbers either, and Rondo has been on quite a role in that regard lately. Either way you stack it up, this is going to be a fun matchup to watch.

2) Is that the real Luol Deng?: Deng has always been a pest in Paul Pierce’s side on the defensive end, but you kept waiting for him to do more. Two years ago it looked like Deng was on his way to adding an impressive offensive repertoire to his game, but then he regressed once again. Now, it looks like Deng’s offense has returned and even branched out to new heights. The forward is averging 21 points a game and exploded for a 40 point night in a 110-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, a game in which he shot 14-19 from the floor.

Remember a few years ago when Deng had such great promise that Kobe Bryant demanded that he not be included in a trade between Chicago and LA? Well, maybe Deng can reach that status again.

3) Getting Testy: This is certainly a case where the Bulls view the Celtics as a rival, while the Celtics somewhat dismiss that notion. Still, you can bet Chicago will be amped heading into this one. While this isn’t the same Bulls team from the memorable playoff series two years ago (we already saw Ben Gordon and John Salmons, two key members of that team, in the last two games), it is an even better side that is going to round into form this year.

Without Boozer, the Bulls have needed to rely on Deng and Rose to shoulder the scoring load. Imagine how good they will be when their big man returns? Get a good look at the Bulls now, but keep in mind things are going to change soon.

                                             Saturday, December 12th, 2009

                                                 United Center- Chicago, IL

                                                      Tip-Off 7:00 PM EST

The Boston Celtics are on the road again tonight as they take on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The Celtics come into the game as winners of nine straight and have an overall record of 18-4. The Bulls are currently 8-13. The Bulls finally got back on the winning side of things last night after beating Golden State. They had lost four games in a row before last night and there are talks in Chicago about firing Vinny (Del Negro).

After last years historic first round playoff game we can expect tonight’s game to be very physical. The Bulls are still a young team but they are one of those teams that can beat any team any night, or in contrast get beat by 20 by any team on any night. The Celtics are going to have to make sure to keep the perimeter on lock tonight as 4 of the 5 Bulls starters are capable of making open three’s. The Bulls are also a very scrappy team, the Celtics are going to have to keep Noah, Miller, and Deng off the boards if they want to put this team away.

 vs.

As far as individual matchups, there are some very interesting one’s between these two team. It all starts with the two young guns at the point guard spot, Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose. Both of these guys will more than likely step up their games tonight trying to make a statement to one another. We should also pay close attention to the battle inside tonight between Kendrick Perkins and Joakim Noah. In last years playoff matchup we saw the two of these guys get into it a few times. Both of these guys are very vocal and physical players, it should be interesting to watch.

Tonight we will again be paying close attention to how Doc will make up for the loss of Marquis Daniels. Last game against Washington we saw some quality minutes from Tony Allen. With the troubles TA has had in Chicago (receiving death threats) we may not see TA as much tonight. We may see increased minutes from Pierce and Ray Allen if that is what is needed for a victory, or we may see some early minutes from J.R Giddens.

The Bulls are currently a team that is struggling, the Celtics need to go in their tonight and destroy any thoughts the Bulls may have of getting a victory. This is not a game that we want to let the Bulls hang around in, espically on their home court. If the C’s can continue doing what they have been the past nine games this game should be an easy victory for the good guys.

Tune into our live chat at 6:00 PM EST to talk all things Celtics.

Lebron dances during the Cavs victory last night against the Bulls.

If you are like me and really despise Lebron James cocky attitude, then here is yet another reason to increase your hate toward this guy. During last night’s blowout victory over the Chicago Bulls, Lebron thought that it would be a good idea to celebrate the win by dancing on the sideline. Just like I did, the Chicago Bulls Joakim Noah took exception to his dancing. Via Cleveland.com:

“You’re losing the way you’re losing and guys are rubbing it in your face, dancing and all that,” Noah said. “I have a lot of respect for LeBron. It’s just a frustrating situation.”

Instead of  just sitting back and being scared of Lebron’s stardom, Noah stuck up for himself and his team. While Lebron was shooting a free throw late in the fourth quarter, up 18 points, Noah started yapping at Lebron from the bench. Being the cocky S.O.B that Lebron is he decided to walk toward the Chicago bench to confront Noah, between his two free throws. The two yapped back and forth before other teammates, coaches, and referees broke it up. Lebron went on to hit his next free throw and the Cavs won the game in dominating fashion.

I just went to mention that I am a supporter of players having “swagger”, WHILE on the floor. As long as the celebration is not insulting to the other team, I am all for it. What Lebron James did was just another act to get attention on him, and add insult to a Chicago Bulls team that was already down and out.

Being a Celtics fan, and seeing Gino on the jumbo-tron during Celtics games, I know that sometimes players want to have fun and enjoy victories. When the Celtics dance to Gino it is usually calm and collective dancing, during a time out. Lebron took it a step too far by standing out to the crowd and dancing while the game was going on. This is just poor sportsmanship and another reason for fans like me to despise Lebron James.

I know there will be some fans out there that approve of Lebron’s dancing, so in a polite way please comment on why you think Lebron was not wrong by doing this.

Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images