On February 14, the Boston Celtics faced the Chicago Bulls for the first time since finalizing a trade involving Anfernee Simons, marking a significant moment in the ongoing Chicago Bulls Trade Reaction. The game, held in Boston, ended with the Celtics defeating the Bulls 124-105, highlighting the impact of recent roster changes on both teams.
During the matchup, Simons contributed seven points, five rebounds, and one assist while shooting 3-of-9 from the field and 1-of-6 from three-point range over 28 minutes. Celtics guard Payton Pritchard was asked about Simons after the game, expressing strong support and respect for his former teammate.
“That’s my brother, definitely miss him. Unbelievable teammate, unbelievable player. He’ll be great with them.” ?Payton Pritchard, Celtics Guard
Player Performances Highlight Impact of Trade
Anfernee Simons, now with the Bulls, has maintained solid statistics this season, averaging 14.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 44.2% overall and 38.7% from three-point range over 53 contests. Entering his eighth NBA season after being selected 24th overall in the 2018 draft from IMG Academy, Simons quickly became a cherished figure among former Celtics teammates.
“Anfernee Simons is clamored by former Celtics teammates after the final buzzer He quickly became a very beloved player here in Boston” ?Noa Dalzell, Celtics on CLNS
Meanwhile, Payton Pritchard delivered an impressive performance against his former teammate, scoring 26 points, grabbing five rebounds, assisting eight times, and recording two steals while shooting efficiently in 34 minutes. The sixth-year guard from Oregon continues to excel after moving back to a bench role, showing consistent production.
“Payton Pritchard since being moved back to the bench: 26 PTS | 7 AST 6 PTS | 7 AST 24 PTS | 4-6 3FG 27 PTS | 7 AST 26 PTS | 7 AST 4-1 record in that span.” ?@CelticsMuse
Pritchard’s season averages include 17.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists with shooting splits of 46.2% overall and 35.6% from beyond the arc across 53 games.
“Celtics with multiple 25-5-5 games off the bench: ☘️ Payton Pritchard ☘️ Larry Bird ☘️ Kevin McHale ☘️ Gordon Hayward” ?The Boston Celtics
Current Standings and Upcoming Challenges
The Celtics, entering the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 35-19 record after 54 games, are looking to build on their solid 7-3 stretch across the last ten games. They recently exited the 2025 NBA playoffs following a second-round loss to the New York Knicks, and now turn their focus to future contests.
The Bulls, on the other hand, stand 11th in the conference with a 24-31 record through 55 games, aiming to climb the standings and integrate new players effectively after offseason moves involving the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics.
Boston’s next game will be on February 19 against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco, where they will face Steph Curry and his team in what promises to be a competitive encounter.
Payton Pritchard on Anfernee Simons:
“That’s my brother, definitely miss him. Unbelievable teammate, unbelievable player.”pic.twitter.com/X6SawxMIzv
— jb (@lockedupjb) February 12, 2026
Anfernee Simons is clamored by former Celtics teammates after the final buzzer
He quickly became a very beloved player here in Boston pic.twitter.com/YPrGJPKCks
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) February 12, 2026
Payton Pritchard since being moved back to the bench:
26 PTS | 7 AST
6 PTS | 7 AST
24 PTS | 4-6 3FG
27 PTS | 7 AST
26 PTS | 7 AST4-1 record in that span. pic.twitter.com/Yg5ZPu0dy8
— CelticsMuse (@CelticsMuse) February 12, 2026
Celtics with multiple 25-5-5 games off the bench:
☘️ Payton Pritchard
☘️ Larry Bird
☘️ Kevin McHale
☘️ Gordon Hayward pic.twitter.com/cJoL3ZnVz3— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 13, 2026
