The Bulls really couldn’t get an easier matchup to start the new year, huh? ugh.
Broadcast Info
Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks at 7:00 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Chicago
Chicago Bulls
Projected Starters:
1. Coby White
2. Zach LaVine
3. Patrick Williams
4. Thaddeus Young
5. Wendell Carter Jr.
Injury Report: Lauri Markkanen OUT (NBA Protocol), Tomas Satoransky OUT (NBA Protocol), Chandler Hutchison OUT (NBA Protocol), Ryan Arcidiacono OUT (NBA Protocol)
Note: The Bulls announced before the game on Thursday that the four players above would all be separated from the team due to the league’s health and safety protocols. Then, one day later, head coach Billy Donovan shared that Chandler Hutchison tested positive for COVID-19. The status of the other three players remains unclear, but the fact that all expect Hutchison traveled back to Chicago could be a good sign. For more on that, check this out:
Chandler Hutchison Tested Positive for COVID-19https://t.co/ZuZjTU15KC
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) January 1, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks
Projected Starters:
1. Jrue Holiday
2. Donte DiVincenzo
3. Khris Middleton
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
5. Brook Lopez
Injury report: Torey Craig OUT (nose)
What to Watch For
• Can the Chicago Bulls keep up? After two solid wins in Washington, the Bulls have some momentum on their side. The Milwaukee Bucks certainly haven’t started this season as the same dominant squad they were last year. Don’t get me wrong, they’re still easily a title favorite, but a roster full of new pieces has caused them to struggle in the chemistry department at times. The Bulls, on the other hand, are finally looking comfortable in their new motion offense. If the Knicks and a Jimmy-Butler-less Miami team could beat them by double digits, why can’t the Bulls give them a run for their money? Again, I’m not holding my breath, but a strong effort for a full 48 minutes in this game could tell us even more about Billy Donovan’s immediate impact on this locker room.
• Will the balanced scoring continue against a much better defense? The Bulls have found a way to get seven players in double-digits in each of the last two games. I doubt that happens again, but this game should be a good test of the team’s discipline. When the going gets tough – and it most likely will – the Bulls young players will have to stick to the offense and avoid the temptation to play ISO ball.
• How does Coby White respond to his best game at point guard? The second-year player dished out 10 assists and ran a much more fluid-looking offensive attack on Thursday night. He’ll have his work cut out for him with an elite defender in Jrue Holiday on the court, so this will be quite the test of his consistency.
Get Caught Up …
LIVE: Head Coach Billy Donovan media availability prior to tonight’s game in Milwaukee https://t.co/TJ1VV1s55l
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 1, 2021
THEY DID IT AGAIN! – Bulls 133, Wizards 130https://t.co/whp34wMDoT
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) January 1, 2021
Coby White gave the Bulls 40mins tonight. It wasn’t perfect, but he had moments on defense, finished with his first career double-double, and helped this Bulls team pull off their second W.
16pts
10ast
6reb
+14That’s my point guard.
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) January 1, 2021