Bulls Vs. Celtics: Chicago Looks To Pummel Another Opponent On Road

The Chicago Bulls haven't just done well on a nine-game road trip that will end Sunday in Boston against the Celtics (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC). The Bulls have had historic success. Chicago is now 6-2 on the trip, having lost the opener in Miami and the third game in Philadelphia. But in each the last four games, the Bulls have won by at least 20 points. According to Elias Sports Bureau, no team had ever won three straight road games by 20 or more, let alone four.

Chicago's most recent win was a 95-64 drubbing of the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday; the 'Cats didn't score more than 18 in any quarter. Of course it's the defense that has carried the Bulls through this string, as the four opponents have averaged offensive ratings of 87. It must be noted, though, that the last two opponents -- the Hornets and Bobcats -- are by far the worst teams in the NBA, having lost a combined 22 straight as of Sunday.

Boston had a chance to wash away the taste of Thursday's tough loss to the L.A. Lakers in a meeting with the Toronto Raptors on Friday, but the offense was just abysmal and Toronto won by 12. Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen combined for just 11 points on 5-18 shooting in that game, and Boston's once vaunted defense let the Raptors control the glass and avoid giveaways. The double dose of defeat has dropped Boston to 14-12, solidly in the East's No. 7 spot, 3.5 games out of the No. 4 spot (that comes with home court advantage in the first round) and 7.5 games behind Chicago, who is No. 1 in the conference.