Keys to Chicago Bulls’ road game vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks beat the Bulls 130-124 in their last meeting on March 3.

© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Following yesterday's 144-115 blowout win against the Dallas Mavericks, the Chicago Bulls (11-14) look to win their third straight game as they visit the Atlanta Hawks (13-13).

Lonzo Ball is still out with a left knee injury as the Bulls look to win their third straight game. Alex Caruso (lower back contusion) and Javonte Green (right knee soreness) will also miss this game.

Chicago Bulls (11-14) vs. Atlanta Hawks (13-13)

Sunday, December 11 – 06:30 PM ET at State Farm Arena

Chicago Bulls

• Points Per Game: 113 (15th of 30)
• Opponent Points Per Game: 112.9 (14th of 30)
• Bench Points Per Game: 33.1 (18th of 30)
• Pace: 100.9 (8th of 30)
• Offensive Rating: 111.5 (22nd of 30)
• Defensive Rating: 111.4 (7th of 30)
• Net Rating: +0.1 (16th of 30)

Atlanta Hawks

• Points Per Game: 113.2 (14th of 30)
• Opponent Points Per Game: 113.8 (18th of 30)
• Bench Points Per Game: 29.7 (26th of 30)
• Pace: 100.5 (9th of 30)
• Offensive Rating: 111.7 (20th of 30)
• Defensive Rating: 112.4 (12th of 30)
• Net Rating: -0.7 (19th of 30)

Capitalize on the Hawks’ injuries

The Hawks are 3-7 in their last 10 games. They were not playing particularly great when healthy, and they will be without Dejounte Murray (left ankle) and John Collins (left ankle sprain) on Sunday and possibly De’Andre Hunter (hip) and Onyeka Okongwu (left foot soreness).

The Hawks got a boost from Bogdan Bogdanovic's return as well as the surprising play of rookie AJ Griffin, but they will be depleted in this game. 

The Bulls are not at full strength, but they must capitalize on the Hawks’ injuries. Games against short-handed teams are must-win, especially when you're trying to get your season back on track.

Contain Bogdanovic

Bogdanovic had 31 points on 18 shots, including 7-of-9 (77.7 percent) from three-point range in Friday’s 120-116 road loss against the Brooklyn Nets.

The 30-year-old played his fourth game after returning from off-season knee surgery and had his best performance of the season. Bogdanovic played out of his mind, stepping up as the second option behind Trae Young, but it still wasn’t enough to beat the Nets. 

The Bulls can win this game as long as they contain Bogdanovic. Even if Young gets his—the two-time All-Star is averaging 27.5 points and 9.5 assists—Chicago can't allow others to beat them as they continue their quest for consistency a little over a quarter into the regular season.

Noteworthy

• The Hawks won the last meeting, 130-124, on March 3. LaVine and DeRozan led the Bulls with 22 points apiece.

• Chicago beat Atlanta three of the last four times.

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

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

• Hawks’ projected lineup: Young, Holiday, Johnson, Griffin, Capela