Game Night from The United Center
Atlanta at Bulls (Bulls: 12-20, 6-10 at home) ATL: (6-26, 3-14 on the road)
TV: NBCSC: Neil Funk and Stacey King.
RADIO: 670 The Score: Chuck Swirsky, Bill Wennington, and David Schuster.
LEADING SCORERS: Bulls: LaVine: 23 points. ATL: Collins: 18 ppg.
LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bulls: Carter: 9 per. ATL: Parker: 6 per.
LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls: Satoransky: 5 per. ATL: Huerter: 3 per.
SEASON SERIES: Bulls 2-0.
PREVIEW: After a lengthy break, the Bulls are ready to get back at it. Up first, Atlanta. They once again get the Hawks in the second game of a back to back as was the case in their second meeting, a 136-102 blowout Bulls win.
Bad news for the Hawks and hoops fans hoping to catch Trae Young in action tonight, Young suffered an ankle injury in Atlanta's 112-86 loss to the Bucks. Young will not play tonight. The Hawks have lost nine straight and dropped to a league-worst 6-26. Atlanta's John Collins will be playing in his third game after serving a 25 game suspension for violating the NBA/NBAPA anti frog policy program. To his credit, Collins owned up, apologized and let's move on. Yes, I believe in contrition and forgiveness. When in the groove, Collins is a terrific talent and a core player as the Hawks move forward. Tonight will mark the final appearance of Vince Carter hoopin' at the United Center. Carter is playing in his league record, 22nd season and continues to be a strong rotation player for Atlanta.
The Bulls understand the importance of taking care of business especially with the loss of Young. No letdown. Expect Zach LaVine to have a monster game at the expense of Atlanta. As of last night's NBA injury report, Lauri Markkanen is listed as questionable with an illness. Cristiano Felicio is now questionable as well. Chandler Hutchison is doubtful.
24 SECONDS NBA NEWS AND NOTES:
Boston 129, Cleveland 117: Jaylen Brown matched his career-high with 34 points. The Celtics have won five straight.
Miami 113, Indiana 112: The Heat improved to 14-1 at home. Miami outrebounded Indiana 56-34.
Orlando 98, Philadelphia 97: A quality win for the Magic. Joel Embiid missed a 30 footer at the buzzer that would have won the game for Philly.
OKC 104, Charlotte 102 OT: OKC's guards did some serious dame against the Hornets. The combination of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chris Paul, and Dennis Schroder scored 67 points. The Thunder have won five of their last six games.
Golden State 106, Phoenix 95: The Warriors rallied from a ten-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the fading Suns who have lost eight straight.
Thanks for reading CCI. Reach out: cswirsky@bulls.com or Twitter @ctsbulls
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