The Chicago Bulls are set to face the Atlanta Hawks tonight for the third time in the first 31 games of the season. The Bulls have dominated the matchup so far, securing victories on November 9 (125-113) and November 20 (136-122). Following tonight’s contest, the two teams will meet one final time this season on January 15.
Heading into the game, the Bulls are looking to rebound from a two-game skid, with losses to the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks in back-to-back home matchups. Even more troubling than the defeats is Chicago’s recent offensive slump, as they’ve averaged just 94.5 points over their last two outings.
On the other hand, the Atlanta Hawks come into the game with momentum after snapping a three-game losing streak with a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. Despite missing key players like Bogdan Bogdanovic and Onyeka Okongwu, the Hawks delivered a strong performance, led by Trae Young’s 29 points. Reserve sharpshooter Garrison Matthews also stepped up, contributing a season-high 25 points to the victory.
Trae Young’s availability for tonight’s game remains uncertain. The star guard has been managing a right heel contusion for nearly a week but has largely played through the issue, missing only one game due to the injury. Overall, Young has missed just two games this season — one because of the heel contusion and the other due to Achilles tendinitis back in November.
Lonzo Ball will miss his second straight game as he has been officially ruled out for Thursday night’s matchup. Arguably one of the best options to defend Trae Young, the 27-year-old guard was downgraded from doubtful to out earlier today due to an illness.
After missing multiple seasons due to injuries, Ball made his return to action in Chicago’s season opener. So far, he has appeared in 12 games, averaging 5.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 31.3 percent from the field.
Josh Giddey’s status remains uncertain, as he is listed as a game-time decision for tonight’s matchup. The Australian guard has missed three straight games after sustaining an ankle injury on December 16 in a win over the Toronto Raptors.
Before the injury, Giddey was in fine form, averaging 12.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists over his previous three outings. In his absence, the Bulls have faced challenges on offense, dropping two of their last three games.
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