Keys to the game: Chicago Bulls look to end Brooklyn Nets' 12-game win streak

The Bulls will try to end the longest-active winning streak in the Association.

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off a hard-fought 145-134 overtime loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, the Chicago Bulls (16-21) look to end the Brooklyn Nets' 12-game winning streak tonight.

Brooklyn Nets (25-12) vs. Chicago Bulls (16-21)

Wednesday, January 4 – 08:00 PM ET at United Center

Brooklyn Nets

• Points Per Game: 115.2 (12th of 30)
• Opponent Points Per Game: 110.8 (7th of 30)
• Bench Points Per Game: 32.8 (17th of 30)
• Pace: 98.6 (21st of 30)
• Offensive Rating: 116.5 (3rd of 30)
• Defensive Rating: 112.1 (8th of 30)
• Net Rating: +4.4 (3rd of 30)

Chicago Bulls

• Points Per Game: 114.3 (14th of 30)
• Opponent Points Per Game: 115.6 (18th of 30)
• Bench Points Per Game: 31.8 (24th of 30)
• Pace: 99.8 (13th of 30)
• Offensive Rating: 112.9 (17th of 30)
• Defensive Rating: 114.2 (20th of 30)
• Net Rating: -1.3 (23rd of 30)

Contain either Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving led the way for the Nets in Monday’s 139-103 home win against the Spurs with 27 points on 11-of-14 shooting. Kevin Durant wasn’t far behind with 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting. He also added 11 assists, three rebounds, three steals, and one block.

The Nets’ current 12-game winning streak has proven that Durant and Irving can lead their team to the promised land, despite their controversy-riddled start to the season. 

Durant leads the Nets in scoring with 29.6 points per game. Irving is a close second; he's averaging 26.2 points per game. When both talented scorers play at their best, the Nets are unstoppable. The Bulls won’t win their 17th game of the season unless they contain either Durant or Irving.

Play solid defense for four quarters

The Bulls’ defense started great during Monday’s 145-134 overtime loss against the Cavaliers. Chicago held Cleveland to only 47 points—the fewest they’ve allowed in a first half this season—and their effort on and off the ball was incredible.

Chicago had eight steals in the first half which led to 13 points. They also limited the Cavs to 6-for-20 (30%) from long range over the stretch. However, the Bulls once again struggled with controlling the glass—the Cavaliers had 13 offensive boards and 24 second-chance points. 

The Bulls have allowed opponents to score at least 20 second-chance points in four straight games. But this time, with a two-headed scoring monster on the other side, they can't allow the same to happen.

Containing KD and Irving is hard enough. That's why the Bulls must prioritize eliminating Brooklyn's easy scoring opportunities. If they can't, the Nets' win streak might extend to 13.

Noteworthy

• The Bulls won the last meeting, 108-99 on November 1. LaVine led the Bulls with 29 points.

• Chicago beat Brooklyn three of the last four times.

• The Bulls are 4-6 in the last 10 matchups against the Nets.

• Nets’ projected lineup: Claxton, Durant, Simmons, Curry, Irving

• Bulls’ projected lineup: Vucevic, Williams, DeRozan, LaVine, Dosunmu

• Nets Injury Report: Markieff Morris (non-COVID illness) and Royce O'Neale (non-COVID illness) are listed as probable for the Nets
• Bulls Injury Report: Lonzo Ball is out for the Bulls with a left knee injury. Javonte Green (right knee soreness) and Tony Bradley (personal reasons) will also miss the game for the Bulls. Andre Drummond (left shoulder sprain) is listed as probable