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Chicago Bulls Preseason Game No. 6: Pregame Notes vs. Charlotte

By Michael Whitlow

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After a lengthy stretch of days off since their last outing at home, the Chicago Bulls head for Charlotte and a preseason match-up with Michael Jordan‘s Charlotte Hornets club. Here’s a few quick notes for Monday night’s game in Charlotte.

To answer the questions you may have: Michigan State did in fact beat Michigan. The Chicago Bears did lose to the winless Detroit Lions. The Chicago Cubs are indeed down 0-2 to the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series. And yes, the NBA still plays back-to-back sets during the preseason.

The Chicago Bulls will start their lone back-to-back of the preseason on Monday night in Charlotte against the Hornets. Last Wednesday, the Bulls ended up getting blown out at home by the Detroit Pistons, 114-91. As optimistic as the offense has looked for the Bulls, the defense has been a concern. The Bulls have only allowed less than 100 points just once in the preseason and that came in the opener against Milwaukee.

During the 2014-15 season, the Bulls did have success against Monday’s opponent (Charlotte). In three meetings last season, the Bulls took two of the three games from the Hornets, including a 102-95 victory that led to a span of 11 wins in 13 games for the Bulls during the month of December.

As for tonight’s meeting, the Bulls will be short-handed as Derrick Rose has already been ruled out (facial surgery) and will most likely miss the entire preseason slate. Rose has been fitted for a mask and has continued to practice, but only in non-contact situations. His status for the season opener on Oct. 27 remains a mystery.

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Along with Rose’s absence, here are some pregame notes for Monday’s night game in Charlotte for both teams.

Jim Boylen will not be with team in Charlotte

New Bulls associate head coach Jim Boylen — the man responsible for putting together a defensive scheme for the Bulls this season — will not be with the team on Monday night. Boylen being at Sunday’s practice is a good sign that it’s nothing too serious.

Couple question marks for Monday’s game

During the Bulls’ 123-115 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans last Monday night, Tony Snell rolled his ankle late in the ballgame. Snell sat out Thursday’s game and was seen walking with a crutch after the game. Snell has said he’ll be back “in no time”, but there’s no telling if he’ll give it a go on Tuesday.

As for Pau Gasol, resting him wouldn’t be a bad option. Gasol’s already had a busy summer, and even though the Bulls are currently learning two new systems, keeping his 35-year-old legs fresh is going to be key for the Bulls this season. Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t play on Monday.

Opponent notes:

Outside of former first-round draft pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (shoulder surgery), the Hornets should have most of their roster available for action on Monday night against the Bulls.

During their last outing — a 97-93 victory over the New York Knicks — the 5-0 Hornets starting unit consisted of Kemba Walker, Nicolas Batum, Marvin Williams, Cody Zeller and Al Jefferson. You can expect to see that same unit (as of now) starting tonight.

Next: Bulls Preseason: The good, the bad & the ugly from loss to Detroit

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