Chicago Bulls: 3 Players to watch vs Warriors

Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bulls look to bounce back from their loss to the San Antonio Spurs when they take on the Golden State Warriors Monday night. They’ll be trying to pick up their first win since a busy trade deadline that saw them raise expectations for the rest of the season.

Both teams enter the game holding the 10th spot in their respective conferences and they have matching 3-7 records over their last ten games. The Warriors might be getting Steph Curry back for this one, while the Bulls are expecting Daniel Theis to make his debut following the trade that saw him sent from Boston to Chicago.

The Bulls are in need of a win before they face a couple of tough opponents and their next win will be the first with Nikola Vucevic on the team. In order for that to come against Golden State, they’ll need to play much better than last time out. These three players are not only going to be crucial if the Bulls are going to win but also are important in the team’s long-term success this season.

Chicago Bulls, Nikola Vucevic.
Chicago Bulls, Nikola Vucevic. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bulls players to watch: Nikola Vucevic

The big-name addition and now second all-star on the Chicago Bulls doesn’t top the list of players to watch against the Warriors but does come in at number three. Everyone knows what a special talent he is and how many different things he brings to the table.

Against Golden State, it will be interesting to watch how exactly he inserts himself offensively throughout the game. It will also be a game for Bulls fans to increase their appreciation for him and all that he does on the floor offensively.

The first thing that comes to mind is how he goes about attacking rookie James Wiseman when the matchup presents itself. Wiseman is athletic and energetic, but Vucevic should be able to take advantage of his inexperience going against players of his caliber. The Bulls veteran big man will display his intelligence and savvy throughout this one and will be crucial in helping the Bulls pick up a victory.

Draymond Green inevitably will find himself on Vucevic throughout the game as well. Once again, Vucevic will be able to exploit big differences in the players and should find success scoring against the versatile defender. His size allows him to comfortably get his shots off against the smaller Green and will be a matchup to keep an eye on.