One of the strengths of the Bulls so far this season has been rebounding. That figured to get better with Carlos Boozer returning.
So far — not so much. It may be an issue of working Boozer into rotations and getting in sync, but the Bulls got outrebounded by the Celtics 44-34 Friday night (at least it was better than their pathetic effort at home on Wednesday) and lost by 12. Kevin Garnett, who is developing a real dislike for Joakim Noah — both got technical fouls Friday night for some pushing and shoving — had 17 rebounds and held Noah to just 10. Despite 12 points in 21 minutes, Boozer was a non-factor on the boards with only two rebounds. Is his injured finger holding him back? Did he come back too soon?
The Bulls also shot only 41.9% from the floor, while the Celtics hit 53.1% of their shots.
The Bulls return home to host the Houston Rockets at the United Center Saturday night at 7 p.m. CST.