Game 5: Indiana Pacers (Jan. 10)
The Chicago Bulls have yet to play in any back-to-back games. So the Bulls arrive back home to the friendly confines of the United Center to try and win their first game of the calendar year against a team with a winning record. This one comes against a Central Division foe, the Indiana Pacers.
There’s a good effort out of the gates for the Bulls, as Pacers starting point guard Malcolm Brogdon is still out with a back injury. The Pacers are also having to rest center Myles Turner and shooting guard Victor Oladipo is yet to return from that season-ending quad injury from last year.
With a depleted Pacers lineup taking the floor at the United Center, the Bulls manage to get their second win over the last two months over a team with a winning record.
Score Prediction: Bulls 108, Pacers 103 (Record 15-24)
Game 6: at Detroit Pistons (Jan. 11)
Here’s the first set of back-to-back games of the month for the Bulls. At least it comes against a manageable opponent, with another Central Division foe on the road. The Bulls travel to the Motor City to take on former superstar MVP winning point guard Derrick Rose and the Detroit Pistons, looking for their third straight win.
The Pistons are trying to play the role of spoiler, but the Bulls continue to come out on top over their division rival. With the Pistons continually falling and falling down the Central Division standings, LaVine pushes his All-Star case with a game-high 35 points. Rookie point guard Coby White also has a nice night off the bench with 22 points and five assists while shooting perfect from three-point range.