​Game preview and injury report: Chicago Bulls could secure Play-in and improve seeding vs. Atlanta Hawks

Zach LaVine and the Bulls will try to win their third straight game when they host the Hawks.
© Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls (38-40) host the Atlanta Hawks (39-39) tonight. The Bulls are coming off a 128-107 home win against the Grizzlies on Sunday. Zach LaVine led the way with 36 points, nine assists, and three rebounds, DeMar DeRozan had 31 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, and Cody White added 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists in 31 minutes off the bench in the victory.

Atlanta Hawks (39-39) vs. Chicago Bulls (38-40)

Tuesday, April 4 – 8:00 PM ET at United Center

Atlanta Hawks

  • Points Per Game: 118.1 (4th of 30)
  • Opponent Points Per Game: 118.1 (25th of 30)
  • Bench Points Per Game: 34.4 (16th of 30)
  • Pace: 100.6 (9th of 30)
  • Offensive Rating: 116.4 (7th of 30)
  • Defensive Rating: 116.4 (22nd of 30)
  • Net Rating: 0 (19th of 30)

Chicago Bulls

  • Points Per Game: 113.6 (19th of 30)
  • Opponent Points Per Game: 112.2 (7th of 30)
  • Bench Points Per Game: 30.9 (24th of 30)
  • Pace: 98.6 (18th of 30)
  • Offensive Rating: 113.9 (23rd of 30)
  • Defensive Rating: 112.5 (6th of 30)
  • Net Rating: +1.4 (11th of 30)

Dejounte Murray is on the rise

Dejounte Murray had a solid game with 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists on 11-of-21 shooting in Sunday’s 132-130 overtime win against the Mavericks at home.

After struggling for most of March, Murray ended the month strong, and he’s averaging 25 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 37.3 minutes over his last three games. Murray averages 17.5 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in 38 minutes over two games against the Bulls this season. Chicago must focus on Murray and slow him down to win this game, especially since Trae Young is questionable.

Take care of the ball and run

It can’t be denied that the Bulls struggle with establishing an offensive flow to punish opponents. Luckily, the team’s inability to score from half-court sets was not an issue against the Grizzlies.

Scoring in transition helped the Bulls in their massive comeback win. The team forced 18 turnovers by the Grizzlies, which gave way to easy baskets and shifted the momentum. Chicago committed just one turnover.

This 17-turnover differential led to the Bulls outscoring the Grizzlies 28-10 in fastbreak points and 31-0 in points off turnovers. The Bulls must force the Hawks to make mistakes and outscore them in fastbreak points. Winning the game would give Chicago a tie-breaker over Atlanta in case of identical W-L records.

Noteworthy

  • The Bulls won the last meeting, 111-100 on January 23. DeRozan led the Bulls with 26 points.
  • Chicago beat Atlanta three of the last five times.
  • The Bulls are 5-5 in the last 10 games against the Hawks.

Projected lineups

  • Hawks: Capela, Collins, Bey, Murray, Young
  • Bulls: Vucevic, Caruso, LaVine, DeRozan, Beverley

Injury Report

  • Hawks: De’Andre Hunter (bone bruise and muscle strain in his left knee) is out. Trae Young (non-COVID illness) is questionable.
  • Bulls’: Lonzo Ball is out with a left knee injury. Alex Caruso (left midfoot soreness) and Javonte Green (right knee soreness) are listed as probable. 

Published
Stephen Beslic
STEPHEN BESLIC

Stephen Beslic is a writer on Sports Illustrated's FanNation Network. Stephen played basketball from the age of 10 and graduated from Faculty of Economic and Business in Zagreb, Croatia, majoring in Marketing.