NBA schedule 2012: Bulls host Celtics before heading westward

The Chicago Bulls host the Boston Celtics on Monday night before heading west to begin a five-game road trip that will keep the team away from the United Center for two weeks. It's the first of four match-ups between the Bulls and Celtics this season.

After Monday night's game, the Bulls head to the desert Wednesday night to take on the Phoenix Suns. The Suns are 3-4 entering a Monday night game against the Denver Nuggets, but those wins come against the Bobcats, Pistons and Cavaliers -- three teams with a combined record of 4-15 so far.

The Bulls then finish with back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers, respectively. The Blazers began the season strong, but recent losses have exposed a team that's struggling to stop opponents from scoring.

Los Angeles should provide a much stronger challenge, particularly with Chris Paul giving the Clippers a massive advantage at the point guard position.

For the full NBA schedule, click here.