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Chicago Bulls at Atlanta Hawks: Game Outlook for Friday Night in Gucciville

By Michael Whitlow

Jan 17, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) makes a three point shot while defended by Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) during the fourth quarter of the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) makes a three point shot while defended by Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) during the fourth quarter of the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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Paul Millsap is a nightmare matchup for the Chicago Bulls.
Jan 4, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo (11) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 111-92. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Player to watch for Atlanta: Paul Millsap

You may not watch the Hawks play that much, which means you probably don’t see Paul Millsap play at all.

That’s a shame. He’s awesome.

This season, Millsap is one of just seven players to be averaging 17+ points, 8+ rebounds, 3+ assists and at least one steal per game. The other six guys: Russell Westbrook, Giannis Antetokounmpo, James Harden, DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant and the injured Blake Griffin.

That’s a fantastic list of players.

Dennis Schroder gets the attention on the floor as the primary ball-handler these days after Jeff Teague was sent to his hometown of Indianapolis to join the Pacers in the offseason, but Millsap is the best player on the Hawks roster. That’s why so many teams were linked to him after the Korver deal. He’s a valuable player on both ends of the floor.

Player to watch for the Bulls: Dwyane Wade

It’s no secret that Dwyane Wade‘s game has been plummeting since his hot start to his first season in Chicago.

Wade’s numbers continue to tumble on the floor, and his back-to-back numbers aren’t much better at all. The issue is, Wade is already slated to play in this upcoming back-to-back for the Bulls against the Hawks and the Sacramento Kings this weekend.

He’s had a couple days off between the Mavericks debacle and Friday’s game, so Bulls fans could be tuning into the good version of Wade.

With two days rest this season (nine games), Wade is scoring 20.6 points on 44.6 percent shooting, so some offensive help for Butler would be useful.

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