Bulls vs. Celtics preview: Chicago looks for second-straight win

The Chicago Bulls welcome the Boston Celtics to town on Monday night at 7 pm. CT in the United Center. Chicago is coming off an 87-80 win on Saturday as they try to stay afloat while waiting for star Derrick Rose to return. The Bulls have done well without Rose so far, winning four of their first six games.

Luol Deng leads the team in scoring at 17.7 points per game, while Joakim Noah is averaging close to a double-double with 15 points and 9.2 rebounds a contest. The Bulls may be without point guard Kirk Hinrich against the Celtics, as he suffered a right hip strain on Saturday.

Boston has started slow out of the gate, splitting their first six games. The Celtics beat Milwaukee, 96-92, their last time out. The "big three" are still carrying the load for Boston, as Paul Piece leads the team in scoring at 20.8 points per game. Kevin Garnett is putting up 16 points and 8.7 rebounds, while Rajon Rando is scoring 14.7 points and dropping 13.3 assists per game.

Noah's interior battle with Garnett will be a key factor, and it will take a team effort for the Bulls to limit Rondo's penetration.

The game will be televised on CSN Chicago.