While not having to watch Clint Capela own this team in the pick-and-roll should save me a few hairs, I’m not optimistic about the Bulls’ chances to grab a second-straight victory. Let’s hope they prove me wrong.
Game Info
Chicago Bulls (12-18) at Atlanta Hawks (16-15) – 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Chicago (TV) and 670 The Score (Radio)
Projected Starters
Chicago Bulls
1. Alex Caruso
2. Zach LaVine
3. DeMar DeRozan
4. Patrick Williams
5. Nikola VuÄević
Injury Report: Alex Caruso QUESTIONABLE (elbow), Javonte Green DOUBTFUL (knee), Derrick Jones Jr. OUT (ankle), Goran Dragic OUT (ankle)
Atlanta Hawks
1. Trae Young
2. Dejounte Murray
3. De’Andre Hunter
4. John Collins
5. Onyeka Okongwu
Injury Report: Clint Capela OUT (calf)
Odds
The Bulls walk into tonight as +5.5 underdogs against the Hawks 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 …
- The return of both Dejounte Murray and John Collins could spell big trouble for Chicago. Murray has quickly proven himself to be one of the game’s elite two-way guards. Not only is he averaging 20.6 points per game to go along with 6.1 assists, but his 1.8 steals per game is near the top of the league. Cleaning the Glass has the Hawks holding opponents to 8.7 fewer points when Murray is on the floor, which is an on/off differential that ranks in the 95th percentile.
- Meanwhile, Collins might not be putting together his best season, but he’s a physical and athletic forward who can give the Bulls’ frontcourt trouble. If the team comes out sleeping on the offensive end, he’s more than capable of making them pay at the rim.
- Obviously, the other name for the Bulls to watch tonight is Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Bulls failed to cover him from behind the arc last game and watched him get into an unstoppable groove. He scored 28 points off the bench with six made 3s, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.
- More in here …