Keys to Chicago Bulls’ home game vs. Houston Rockets

DeMar DeRozan and the Bulls will try to win their fourth straight game when they host the Rockets.

© Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls (14-18) host the Houston Rockets (9-23) tonight. The Bulls are coming off a 118-117 road win against the Knicks on Friday. Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 33 points, DeMar DeRozan had 25 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, and Nikola Vucevic added 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Lonzo Ball is still out with a left knee injury as the Bulls look to win their fourth straight game. Javonte Green (right knee soreness) and Alex Caruso (concussion) are also out for this game. Derrick Jones Jr. (left ankle sprain) is day-to-day.

Houston Rockets (9-23) vs. Chicago Bulls (14-18)

Monday, December 26 – 08:00 PM ET at United Center

Houston Rockets

• Points Per Game: 109.4 (28th of 30)
• Opponent Points Per Game: 115.3 (21st of 30)
• Bench Points Per Game: 32.7 (18th of 30)
• Pace: 99.1 (17th of 30)
• Offensive Rating: 109.8 (27th of 30)
• Defensive Rating: 115.6 (28th of 30)
• Net Rating: -5.9 (27th of 30)

Chicago Bulls

• Points Per Game: 113.2 (16th of 30)
• Opponent Points Per Game: 114.5 (18th of 30)
• Bench Points Per Game: 32.5 (20th of 30)
• Pace: 100 (12th of 30)
• Offensive Rating: 112.1 (20th of 30)
• Defensive Rating: 113.4 (17th of 30)
• Net Rating: -1.3 (21st of 30)

Contain Jabari Smith Jr.

Jabari Smith Jr. shined in Friday's 112-106 home loss against the Mavericks. Smith had a career-high 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting and 3-of-8 from three-point range. He also added 10 rebounds and one block.

The rookie forward helped the Rockets erase a 16-point deficit during an impressive second-half run.

“It’s the feel of the game,” Smith said after the game. “I’ve been learning myself and my teammates. I know where I’m going to get my shots from, and the ball is going into the hoop.”

Jabari’s offensive performance was his best of the season, and he also showcased why his defense could be his greatest attribute. Smith helped defend Luka Doncic and held his own.

“I want to guard the best player every night — it doesn’t matter if they are the biggest or the smallest player,” Smith explained. “It’s my competitiveness. Scoot and J.G. [Jalen Green] have a big load to carry on the offensive end. I’m trying to step in and bring that energy and effort on defense.”

With Smith as their anchor on defense, the Rockets held every player other than Doncic under 12 points. Smith can be the X-factor on Monday, and the Bulls must contain him to win their 15th game of the season.

Big games from the Big Three

The Bulls can beat any team in the NBA when their Big Three has a big game on the offensive end. LaVine, DeRozan, and Vucevic took over against the Knicks. LaVine led the Bulls with 33 points in the win, DeRozan finished with 25 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, and Nikola Vucevic had 21 points and 12 rebounds.

The Knicks had a 117-116 lead when DeRozan distracted Jalen Brunson, who missed two free throws that would have given the Knicks a three-point lead. DeRozan then hit the game-winning basket with six seconds to play.

The Bulls are 4-2 when LaVine, DeRozan, and Vucevic each score 20 or more points, which happened in the wins in Miami, Atlanta, and New York. It’s obvious that the Bulls will go as far as LaVine, DeRozan, and Vucevic take them. Big games from them would help the Bulls beat the Rockets on Monday.

Noteworthy

• The Bulls won the last meeting, 133-118 on December 20, 2021. DeRozan led the Bulls with 26 points.

• Chicago beat Houston three of the last four times.

• The Bulls are 3-7 in the last 10 matchups against the Rockets.

• Rockets’ projected lineup: Sengun, Martin, Smith, Porter, Green

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

• Injury Report: Jae’Sean Tate (right ankle soreness) is out for the Rockets and Eric Gordon (left thumb contusion) is day-to-day

• Lonzo Ball is out for the Bulls with a left knee injury. Javonte Green (right knee soreness) and Alex Caruso (concussion) are also out. Derrick Jones Jr. (left ankle sprain) is day-to-day