Game Night From The United Center.
Atlanta at Bulls 7PM CT.
TV: NBCSC: Neil Funk and Stacey King 7PM
RADIO: 670 The Score: Chuck Swirsky, Bill Wennington and David Schuster
Preview: It's the finale of the preseason slate for the Bulls as they entertain the Atlanta Hawks who enter the United Center playing their third game in four nights.
Overall the Bulls have accomplished a number of positive things such as swinging the ball to the open man, creating space in the half court and pushing the ball up the floor. Expect Head Coach Jim Boylen to go with the same rotation that he used in Sunday's win over the Raptors.
Atlanta is an intriguing team. General Manager Travis Schlenk has collected a bevy of young, promising players that could jell in to an Eastern Conference contender within the next three -five years. We know what Trae Young and John Collins are capable of doing. Kevin Huerter can flat out shoot the ball. In the off season, Schlenk went to work picking up De'Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish in the draft. Hunter is going to have a solid NBA career. He's a superb defensive player and has an offensive game with plenty of upside. Reddish had an injury filled freshman season at Duke and slipped to ten on draft day. This was a great selection with value where the Hawks took him. The Hawks added former Bull Jabari Parker who will supply instant offense. For the Hawks this is their third game in four nights and arrived early Thursday morning from New York after a game last night. In face in a period of four days Atlanta has been in Miami, NY and Chicago. Not sure who Head Coach Lloyd Pierce will put on the floor tonight against the Bulls.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: "For Thursday's game and our opener on the 23rd,(Tomas) Satoransky will start with Dunn coming off the bench." - Coach Boylen
24 SECONDS NBA NEWS AND NOTES:
Atlanta 100, New York 86: Vincent Carter scored 14 points in the second quarter. Carter now in his 22nd season, which is an NBA record, turns 43 in January. Trae Young 23 points and 9 assists.
Los Angeles Lakers, 126 Golden State 93: LeBron posted 18 points-11 rebounds. Anthony Davis 8-10-8. Steph Curry rested.
Memphis 124, Oklahoma City 119: Dillon Brooks scored 23 points in the third quarter alone for the Grizzlies.
Detroit 116, Charlotte 110: Andre Drummond had quite the night. The Pistons big man had a 17-15-4 assists game but also committed seven turnovers. PJ Washington of the Hornets continues to impress: 12-5-4
Portland 126, Utah 118: Damian Lillard with 25.
San Antonio 128, Houston 114: James Harden scored 40 points in a preseason game. Oh, but the way, he also grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out 7 assists.
Sacramento 124, Melbourne 110: Marvin Bagley III. Had a 30-14 game.
Yahoo Sports is reporting the Kings have offered guard Buddy Hield four years at 90 million..Hield is seeking 110 million. Yahoo also states that Toronto will reportedly come to terms on a max contract with emerging star Pascal Siakam.
Washington Wizards All-Star Bradley Beal has agreed to extend his deal for two years on a $72M maximum contract according to ESPN.
Loved the chemistry on the ESPN NBA Countdown set. Lots of energy and Maria Taylor showcasing her talent in a different environment from College Game Day is tremendous. Taylor is a rising star and has a tremendous future.
Thanks for reading CCI. Reach out: cswirsky@bulls.com or Twitter @ctsbulls
Always a pleasure.