Chicago is still figuring out how to be consistent. The Bulls enter this game having lost four of their last six games, including a 99-98 setback to the Mavs at home on Tuesday night. Four Chicago starters scored in double digits with Jimmy Butler leading the way with game-highs of 24 points and 12 assists.
Robin Lopez and Dwyane Wade had 21 and 17 points, respectively, to provide some much-needed support on offense—an area where the Bulls rank just 23rd in the league this season. They’ve been scoring nearly 105 per game in the last three games, though, and that’s mostly thanks to Butler, who is averaging 22.6 points and 8.0 dimes during that stretch.
However, Chicago’s inability to play for the full 48 minutes makes them an unreliable pick, especially against a Hawks’ team that’s been rolling since the start of the New Year. The Bulls have also lost six in a row against in this matchup.
Atlanta is also coming off a loss here. After winning nine of the last 10 games, the Hawks were handed one their most lopsided setbacks of the season, falling to the Pistons on Wednesday night, 118-95.
Not much went the Hawks’ way, as they were outrebounded (41-71), shot below 40 percent from the field and 24.0 percent from three and basically couldn’t find any rhythm. The lone positive was probably Paul Millsap’s continuous production.
The former Jazz forward racked up a team-high 21 points with eight rebounds and four assists. He’s averaging 19.4 points, 8.2 boards and nearly five assists per games through nine games this month.
The Hawks took care of business when the Bulls came to town earlier this season. Their defense survived a 39-point explosion from Jimmy Butler thanks to an all-round offensive effort. Eight Atlanta players all scored in double figures in that win, including a 16-points, 11-rebound night from Millsap himself.
