Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction: Improved Hawks takes on iffy Bulls

NBA is on and we are steadily heading toward the trade deadline in what has been another fascinating season. There are several teams that need to add depth to their roster and get back their campaign on track. That is why various managements are going to be busy in deciding what players they can trade for and who they can offer. The Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks can be busy around the trade deadline too and they will clash here in an Inter-Conference affair.

The Bulls enter the affair after a 126:108 win against the Detroit Pistons behind a 30 points performance by Zach LaVine. They have won two in a row but have a lot work to do to improve their record of 24 losses and 21 wins/. They are yet to win more than three games in a row this season. Their season hasn’t gotten on track yet and the duo of DeRozan and LaVine hasn’t been as effective. Not having Lonzo Ball hurts the balance while the bench continues to underperform. The Bulls’ perimeter defense has been suspect throughout the season and they have allowed more than 13 three-point makes, which makes for the second-worst effort in the league.

The Hawks come into the picture after losing 118:122 against the Charlotte Hornets despite a 26 points performance by DeJounte Murray. This loss broke a five-game winning streak, including three in a row against teams with winning records. Still, because of a terrible period from late November to December, the team is just one game above the 50% win record with 24 wins. The defense hasn’t been their strong suit and they have relied heavily upon their offense to make ends meet. The recent boost has come from the improved play of DeJounte Murray who has led the scoring four times in a row and the season-leader Trae Young has had some help in the backcourt. Overall, Atlanta looks like a First or at best a Second Round exit at this point. Will they trade Collins to bolster their weak defense?

The Hawks’ offense has been one of the best lately and the improved play of DeJounte Murray has aided the team. The Bulls have been decent but they are not decisive enough to acquire major wins. Both teams have done a ton of difficulties on the defensive end. DeMar and Zach will match-up against Trae and Murray which means that a lot of tough defense will be needed. Anyway, I believe the Bulls will hold the home-court advantage and win here with a scoreline of 128:122.