Can the Bulls grab both games in a back-to-back set for the first time this season?
Against this Hornets team, there may be no excuse not to.
Game Info
Charlotte Hornets (3-4) at Chicago Bulls (4-4) – 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 AVAILABLE (injury management), Andre Drummond QUESTIONABLE (shoulder), Coby White QUESTIONABLE (quad)
Charlotte Hornets
1. Dennis Smith Jr.
2. Kelly Oubre Jr.
3. Gordon Hayward
4. PJ Washington
5. Mason Plumlee
Injury Report: LaMelo Ball OUT (ankle) Terry Rozier OUT (ankle), Cody Martin OUT (quad)
Odds
The Bulls walk into tonight as -4.5 favorites against the Hornets at PointsBet Illinois Sportsbook and a -5.0 favorite at the FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook. Click on either link to sign up and pick the Bulls to cover (… or pick the opposite …)!
What to Watch For …
While the Charlotte Hornets have started the season a decent 3-4, they have also lost three of their last four games and have been one of the more inconsistent teams in the NBA. One night this group will score 120 points and take down the Warriors, the next they’ll score 93 points and lose to the Orlando Magic. You just don’t know exactly what you’re going to get from this group, which can make them a somewhat nerve-wracking matchup.
The Hornets currently sit 10th in PACE and have the 8th-highest AST%. Even without LaMelo Ball on the floor, they’re going to look to push the ball up the court and get into the paint. In some ways, they actually mimic what this Bulls team looks to do on the offensive end, even ranking in the bottom five in 3-point attempts per game.
The good news for Chicago is that the Hornets have also faced similar struggles on the defensive end. This group has allowed the 4th-most points in the paint per game, and they also happen to rank in the bottom third in opponent points off turnovers. If the Bulls can manage to lock in on the offensive end and play the efficient offensive basketball we know this core is capable of, they should be able to pick up their second-straight win.
Keep it up, Ayo!
You too, Pat!
More in here …
NEWSLETTER
