CHICAGOThe Boston Celtics will not have to face reigning league MVP Derrick Rose, who remains out with a groin injury.
This will be bring Rose's total of missed games this year to 22, which includes the last 11 games with his current injury.
Despite not having him, the Bulls are 7-4 during Rose's current stint out with a groin injury suffered against New York on Mach 12.
Rose told reporters earlier this week that if he couldn't play against the Celtics, he would be back for Sunday's game against the Knicks.
Without Rose, the Bulls will once again turn to C.J. Watson to start at the point guard position.
Prior to the game, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau made it clear that Rose would not return to the floor until he was completely healthy.
"If he's healthy and he can play, he'll play," said the former Celtics assistant coach. "If he's not, he's gotta be smart about it.
"We just want to make sure," Thibodeau added. "At this point in the season, you're cautious because of where you are in the season. He has to be healthy. We're not going to rush him back, just to get him back."