Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau likely will make some adjustments when his team faces the Boston Celtics for the second time in five days Thursday at the United Center.
As for specifics, Thibodeau isn't telling.
"We'll keep those private," Thibodeau said. "But there are some general things we have to do a lot better. Our overall defense and floor balance is important."
The Celtics beat the Bulls, 95-91, on Sunday in Boston thanks to a triple-double from star point guard Rajon Rondo. The Bulls (24-7) were without Derrick Rose in that game and likely will be without Rose again Thursday night as he continues to recover from lower-back spasms.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (15-13) could be without power forward Kevin Garnett, who missed Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons because of a hip injury.
During Thursday's morning shootaround, Thibodeau told reporters that Rose would be a game-time decision. However, Rose has yet to participate in a full practice and the team has given every indication that it will not rush Rose's return and risk another setback.
Regardless of who starts at point guard for the Bulls, stopping Rondo will be a priority on defense. Rondo tallied 32 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds in Sunday's meeting.
"Rondo is an offense unto himself," Thibodeau said. "He's always a challenge every time you play against him. A guy like that, any great player, you have to guard with your team. There's a lot of things we have to do better."
Today's game starts at 7 p.m. and will air on TNT and WMVP-AM 1000.
-Tom Musick
