Chicago Bulls vs Houston Rockets - GAME DAY PREVIEW

The Chicago Bulls host the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

© Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls (17-21) aim for their third win in a row when they face off against the Houston Rockets (18-17) for the first time this season. With their usual starting five now back in action, Chicago is coming off victories in their home-and-away series against the Charlotte Hornets, capped by a thrilling 119-112 win on Monday night.

Bulls will have their hands full

Chicago’s defense will be severely tested on Wednesday as they try to contain the Rockets' prodigious big man, Alperen Sengun. The 21-year-old was recently named the Western Conference Player of the Week after averaging 24.0 points on 52 percent shooting, 7.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

Fortunately for the Bulls, they will have their full cadre of big men available for this game, with Nikola Vucevic expected to return to the starting lineup, relegating Andre Drummond back to the bench.

Alperen Sengun is the Western Conference Player of the Week 🚀

24 PTS | 7 REB | 4.5 AST | 1.5 STL | 52% FGpic.twitter.com/CRzhVtMChS

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 8, 2024

LaVine is questionable to play

However, All-Star guard Zach LaVine has been listed as questionable to play due to right shoulder soreness and right foot inflammation. He just came back from a month-long absence and has averaged 12.0 points in his last two games. Meanwhile, Alex Caruso is listed as probable to play, giving the Bulls a ferocious defender to put on the Rockets’ All-Star guard, Fred Van Vleet.

Alex Caruso absolutely destroyed this ATO that the Hornets were trying to run for Terry Rozier in OT.

There's not a player who is better at screen navigation in the league. pic.twitter.com/23SAtKclsH

— Steph Noh (@StephNoh) January 9, 2024

Alex Caruso embraces newfound role as a shooter to help the Bulls' needs