NEWSLETTER
The final game of the regular season at the United Center, this feels like the last real opportunity to gain some momentum before the playoffs start next week.
Game Info
Charlotte Hornets (41-39) at Chicago Bulls (45-34) – 7:00 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Chicago (TV), and 670 The Score (Radio)
Projected Starters
Chicago Bulls
1. Ayo Dosunmu
2. Zach LaVine
3. DeMar DeRozan
4. Patrick Williams
5. Nikola Vucevic
Injury Report: Lonzo Ball OUT (knee), Zach LaVine PROBABLE (knee), Alex Caruso OUT (back), Matt Thomas OUT (leg)
Zach in, Caruso out
— Will Gottlieb (@wontgottlieb) April 8, 2022
Charlotte Hornets
1. LaMelo Ball
2. Terry Rozier
3. Miles Bridges
4. PJ Washington
5. Mason Plumlee
Injury Report: Gordon Hayward OUT (foot)
Odds
The Bulls walk into tonight as -3.5 favorite against the Charlotte Hornets at PointsBet Illinois Sportsbook and at a -2.5 favorite at the FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook. Click on either link to sign up and pick the Bulls to cover (… or pick the opposite, I guess …)!
What to Watch For …
• Nikola Vucevic has decided to return to his early-season self at the worst possible time. The big man has shot just 8-32 over the past two games, scoring just 20 points and recording single-digit rebounds in both games. Considering the rest of the offense has stunk it up in a similar manner, it’s hard to point a finger at just him, but he simply has to be better if this team wants any chance at playing a competitive first-round series this month. Fortunately, tonight presents a good opportunity to get back into a rhythm, as the Hornets rank 19th in opponents’ points in the paint per game. Vucevic dropped 30 points and 14 rebounds the first time these two players, and he went on to score 18 points with 16 rebounds back in February.
• I’m not sure the Bulls have anything more than a C-game on the defensive end, but they will have to bring their best against the Hornets’ guards. The combination of Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball can be a lethal bunch, especially in transition. Ball dropped 33 points the last time these two met, while Rozier added 16 points with 6 assists. If the Bulls can’t find a way to keep these two in check, or at least match their bucket-getting, it could be a long night full of Hornets highlights.
• Charlotte has some decent depth. Players like Kelly Oubre and Montrezl Harrell can crack double-digits in the second unit relatively easily, so it would be really nice if Coby White could finally find his groove tonight.
• A lot more in here …
Playoff Picture Becoming Clearer, Facing a Frisky Hornets Team, Positive Vibes, and Other Bulls Bulletshttps://t.co/SVJDl291KN pic.twitter.com/XIr17MjJ4H
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) April 8, 2022
