Celtics Newcomer Upgraded to Available for Thursday's Bulls Game

Thursday night in the Windy City, the Boston Celtics return from the All-Star break for their final 27 games before the playoffs.

The C's sit atop the NBA standings, boasting a 43-12 record. No other team has reached 40 wins yet.

While building on the foundation that's led to their success is paramount, that cushion, which includes a six-game advantage over the second seed in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers, makes it easier to pace players, experiment, and integrate Xavier Tillman and Jaden Springer.

Boston's cautiously worked its trade-deadline acquisitions into the fold as they work their way back from left knee soreness and a right ankle impingement, respectively. That also afforded them more time to get familiar with the Celtics' schemes at both ends of the court.

Thursday could represent their first chance to apply what they've learned about Joe Mazzulla's operation. Tillman's been absent from his new team's post-All-Star break injury reports.

Springer, initially listed as questionable for the C's matchup against the Chicago Bulls, also got the green light and is upgraded to available for the contest, which tips off at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Further Reading

Jaylen Brown Praises All-Star Snub: 'Excelling His Game at a Rapid Pace'

Jayson Tatum Addresses Discourse Around His MVP Candidacy

Jaylen Brown Doesn't Win Dunk Contest but Delivers Most Poignant Moment

Kristaps Porzingis Shares How First Season with Celtics Compares to His Expectations: 'Haven't Stopped Smiling'

Jayson Tatum's Approach vs. Nets Tale of Two Halves and Steadfast Commitment

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Brad Stevens Sheds Light on Celtics' Motivations for Xavier Tillman Trade

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'