Game Preview
The Chicago Bulls (6-10) host the Atlanta Hawks (7-9) on Friday night in a clash of teams looking to turn their seasons around. The Bulls have struggled out of the gate, hovering around a 37.5% win percentage while averaging 115.4 points per game on offense. Their defensive struggles have been glaring, allowing a whopping 122.9 points to opponents.
Chicago's shooting numbers tell a tale of two teams - a respectable 46.1% from the field but a concerning 37.7% from three-point range. On the glass, they've grabbed just over 45 rebounds per contest while dishing out 28.2 assists. However, turnovers have plagued the Bulls, coughing up the rock nearly 16 times a night.
The recent form offers little solace, with Chicago dropping 7 of their last 10 games. Over this stretch, their scoring dipped to 116.7 points while allowing a staggering 126.5 points on the other end. Defensive breakdowns and an inability to get stops have undoubtedly contributed to their woes.
Atlanta, meanwhile, sits at a 43.8% win rate through 16 games. The Hawks have held their own on offense, averaging 114.9 points behind a 45.9% shooting clip. However, their three-point shooting has been a concern at just 34.2%. On the positive side, Atlanta has been disruptive defensively, averaging 10.2 steals and 5.4 blocks per game.
The past 10 games have seen the Hawks find their stride, playing .500 basketball while clamping down defensively. They've limited opponents to 117.2 points while forcing a whopping 16.1 turnovers per contest. This defensive intensity, coupled with a balanced offensive attack, has Atlanta poised to make a push in the standings.
As these two teams clash, the Bulls' porous defense could prove costly against the Hawks' opportunistic attack. If Chicago can't tighten things up on that end, Atlanta's balanced approach may be too much to overcome. However, a breakout shooting night from the Bulls could swing the pendulum. Buckle up for an intriguing matchup as both teams look to gain momentum in a tightly-contested Eastern Conference race.