Click here to Watch Boston Celtics v Chicago Bulls Live

                         

With a strong finish at the end of the regular season the Chicago Bulls not only managed to clinch a playoff spot but also climbed out of the eight place, thus avoiding the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. However, the Boston Celtics are by no means an easy matchup either.

Coming into the playoffs with an impressive 62-20 record the Celtics are hoping to defeat the Bulls in their home opener at Boston Garden on Saturday. Considering that the Celtics are 35-6 at home and beat the Bulls in both home games this season it looks like things are not going to be easy for Chicago. The Bulls on the other hand won 7 of their last 10 and finished the regular season at the .500 mark with a 41-41 record.

One important aspect is projected to be the shape of multiple all-star Kevin Garnett. Averaging 15.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists as well as being one of the best defenders in the league Garnett has proven to be a key component for Boston’s success last year. Unfortunately for the Celtics, he missed 22 of the last 26 games and it remains questionable to what extent he will be able to help his team.

On first glance, the other matchups appear to be fairly even taking into consideration the numbers players on both teams have been putting up this season. However, the Celtics starters have shown significantly better defense individually and as a team throughout the regular season. Ben Gordon and John Salmons may average just about what Paul Pierce and Ray Allen do, but their mediocre shot selection and one-on-one defense clearly favor the Celtics.

To give Boston a run for their money Bulls rookie guard Derrick Rose will have to step up once again for Chicago. He has shown several times this season that he is able to make big plays in important games, but he has yet to prove his toughness in the post-season. Nonetheless, Celtics and Bulls fans can expect to see an exciting matchup between Rondo and Rose, both showing impressive potential early in their career. You can watch this game live here at www.watchlivenba.com, the home of live NBA streaming.