Game Preview
The Atlanta Hawks (15-15) and the Chicago Bulls (13-17) are set to clash on Thursday night in an intriguing matchup between two teams looking to gain ground in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hawks come into this contest riding a one-game winning streak, while the Bulls have dropped their last two as they aim to get back on track.
Offensively, the Bulls have been the more potent team this season, averaging nearly 121 points per game compared to the Hawks' 116.9 points. However, Atlanta has been slightly more efficient from the field, shooting a shade above 46 percent as a team, while Chicago hovers around 47 percent. The Bulls have the edge from beyond the arc, knocking down threes at a 37.2 percent clip, outpacing the Hawks' 34.5 percent from deep.
On the glass, these teams have been evenly matched, with the Hawks grabbing just over 46 rebounds per game and the Bulls hovering around 46 boards as well. Atlanta's 29.8 assists per contest give them a slight advantage in ball movement, but Chicago has been better at taking care of the rock, averaging just 15 turnovers compared to 16 for the Hawks.
Defensively, both teams have struggled at times, allowing over 119 points per game. However, the Bulls have been tightening the screws of late, holding opponents to just 111.8 points over their last five games while the Hawks have surrendered 115 points per contest during that same stretch.
Looking at recent form, the Hawks have gone 6-4 in their last 10 games, highlighted by improved rebounding (49.1 per game) and a slight uptick in scoring (117.5 points). The Bulls, meanwhile, are an even 5-5 over their last 10, but have averaged a blistering 127 points per game while dishing out 32.6 assists during that span. With both teams looking to build momentum and solidify their playoff positioning, this matchup promises to be a hard-fought battle between two evenly matched squads.