NEWSLETTER
Need this W.
Broadcast Info
Chicago Bulls at Houston Rockets (7:00 CT) NBC Sports Chicago, 670 The Score (Audio)
Chicago Bulls
Projected Starters:
1. Coby White
2. Zach LaVine
3. Garrett Temple
4. Patrick Williams
5. Wendell Carter Jr.
Injury Report: Lauri Markkanen OUT (shoulder), Otto Porter OUT (back), Chandler Hutchison OUT (personal reasons)
Houston Rockets
Projected Starters:
1. John Wall
2. Eric Gordon
3. Jae’Sean Tate
4. Danuel House
5. PJ Tucker
Injury Report: Victor Oladipo OUT (foot), DeMarcus Cousins OUT (heel), Christian Wood OUT (ankle), Dante Exum OUT (calf)
Odds
The Bulls are -1 point favorites for tonight’s matchup against the Rockets, according to the FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook (-112), the PointsBet Illinois Sportsbook (-110), and the DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook (-109).
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Double-double for Coby? That'd be pretty wild …
3 Player Props for Bulls vs. Rockets (February 22, 2021) https://t.co/HHMlr0x03J
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) February 22, 2021
What to Watch For
• Should this be considered a must-win for the Bulls? After a 3-1 performance last week with wins of the Pacers, Pistons, and Kings, it sure does feel like it. The Rockets have been one of the more pesky defenses this season, but it shouldn’t be anything the Bulls highly efficient offense can’t handle. Not to mention, the Bulls defense has been playing increasingly better over the past few games, and it’s not like the Rockets pose any major threat on that end of the floor (25th OFFRTG), especially with Victor Oladipo on the sideline.
• With the Rockets starting and backup center on the injury report tonight, I’d look for the Bulls to try to get Wendell Carter Jr. going early. Tonight has a good chance to be his best game since returning to the lineup last week.
• The only way I see the Rockets staying in this game is with a flashy performance from their backcourt. Eric Gordon and John Wall both make their money scoring the basketball, and it will be no easy matchup defensively for Zach LaVine and Coby White. LaVine has certainly been better on that end of the floor as of late, though, so I’ll be curious to see if he can keep it up.
• Chicago Bulls: 3rd in PACE … Houston Rockets: 4th in PACE. Get ready to hustle.
• Here is a stat you’re not used to seeing: The Rockets are the 3rd-worst 3-point shooting team in the league.
Get Caught Up …
LIVE: Head Coach Billy Donovan media availability prior to tonight’s game against the Rockets. https://t.co/HKbzR6MANV
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 22, 2021
Bulls Weekly Preview: Rockets, Timberwolves, Suns, Raptors – February 22-28, 2021https://t.co/SFwBlDceO3
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) February 22, 2021
Thad Young’s numbers 📈
His 59.5% in shooting and 4.3 assists per game this season are also new career highs for the NBA veteran. Our @Calamos Rising Player: pic.twitter.com/hukaMWD4FG
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 22, 2021
