The Celtics have already seen two very different endings this season: a tough loss in Detroit, then a tight 107-103 win over New York. On Monday night, Boston’s new-look group returns home to face a Chicago team that is also writing its first pages. As of Saturday, Boston is 1-1 and Chicago is 1-2, but both teams have shown enough early spark to make this matchup feel bigger than one October game.

The main thread runs through Jayson Tatum, who is now clearly Boston’s leader after the team reshaped its roster. Tatum has filled the floor like a playmaker so far, scoring 24.5 points per game while handing out nine assists. That passing matters because it turns one star’s attack into open looks for everyone else. He can use his 6-foot-9 frame to drive toward the hoop, pull up for hard shots, or find a teammate when defenders crowd him.

Paul George has given Tatum a sharp scoring partner early. George is averaging 26.5 points and has made more than half of his three-point tries, giving Boston a dangerous wing who can shoot and defend. Derrick White helps connect the pieces. His seven assists per game show how often he keeps the ball moving, while his steady defense can disrupt Chicago’s guards.

Boston’s biggest challenge is the glass. The Celtics have collected 38 rebounds per game, far fewer than Chicago’s 48.3. Rebounds are missed shots that a team grabs before the other side can start again, and they can decide which team gets extra chances. Boston will need its big frontcourt, including rim protector Mitchell Robinson, to stand strong near the basket.

That battle gives Chicago a real path. The Bulls have scored nearly 115 points per game despite making only 22.6 percent of their three-point shots. Their offense has still found energy by pushing forward and attacking closer to the rim. Rookie forward Caleb Wilson has been the early burst, putting up 22.3 points and eight rebounds per game. His length, quick jumps, and ability to guard different players give Chicago a young force who can change a possession at either end.

Josh Giddey sets up that speed with his passing. He has 8.3 assists per game, though he will need to take better care of the ball against Boston’s active defenders. Chicago is turning it over 17.7 times a night, which can hand a skilled opponent easy chances. The Bulls also will miss center Nic Claxton, who is out with a hamstring injury. Without his shot blocking and athletic work around the rim, Wilson and the rest of Chicago’s frontcourt face a heavier job against Tatum and Robinson.

Chicago showed fight in a close loss to Washington after an exciting win over Milwaukee. Still, Boston’s home floor, stronger ball security, and Tatum’s ability to steer a close game give the Celtics the edge. Prediction: Boston wins, with its new leaders taking another important step together.

Jayson Tatum Leads Boston’s New Chapter Against Caleb Wilson’s Bulls