The Chicago Bulls pull into Motown looking to sweep their longtime Central Division rivals the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena this evening. The Bulls have won all three earlier matchups, the first two in Chicago and the last four days before Christmas in the Motor City. In that contest the Bulls broke open a tight contest that saw 14 lead changes and 6 ties by outscoring the Pistons 66-48 in the second half to come away with a 119-107 victory. Chicago's Zach LaVine led all scorers with 33 points, while Markieff Morris led Detroit with 23 points, followed closely by Andre Drummond who notched 19 points and 14 rebounds.
For the Bulls to break out brooms they're going to need to mete out a stellar blue-collar effort, both offensively and defensively. Tonight, is the second half of a back-to-back set for Chicago after taking on the Indiana Pacers last night at the United Center. As for Detroit, they've been lying in wait since falling in front of their home fans to Cleveland on Thursday, 115-112.
To be successful the Bulls must freely share the ball with one another, swiftly skipping it from player-to-player and from side-to-side in search of an open shot or driving lane to rim.
All five players must stay involved at both ends of the court. The ball can't end up stuck in any one player's hands. The offense needs to be free-flowing and unselfish.
Defensively Chicago must deliver a tough-minded effort with everyone communicating and staying glued to their assigned man without constantly fouling. Collectively, the Bulls must go hard after every rebound and loose ball.