Joe Mazzulla’s Christmas greetings were costly. The NBA fined the Boston Celtics coach $35,000 on Saturday “for aggressively pursuing and directing inappropriate language toward a game official” at the end of his team’s loss to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night.

NEW YORK – Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has been fined $35,000 for aggressively pursuing and directing inappropriate language toward a game official, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.

On social media, theories and hot takes abound for the drop, ranging from too many three-pointers to the season being too long to streaming making it too difficult to find games. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla admitted Thursday that he’s part of the problem, as well, saying in part that he’d “rather watch something else.”

The Celtics and the Bulls have shown up to the game, but their offenses sure haven't. The Celtics have a bit of a cushion as they currently lead the Bulls 97-81. The Celtics came into the match with some extra motivation after the loss they were dealt the last time these two teams faced off.

The Chicago Bulls (13-15) welcome the Boston Celtics (21-6) to the United Center Saturday. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NBA odds around the Celtics vs. Bulls odds an

The Celtics will need to step up their defense (and hit more shots from 3) if they don't want to have their first losing streak of the season.