Chicago Bulls: Key Monday matchup set vs. Brooklyn Nets

The new-look Chicago Bulls have had quite the impressive start to the season, beginning with a record of 6-1 until the Philadelphia 76ers handed them two consecutive losses in a row.

While the last two games have been anything but ideal for Chicago, they’ve had two days of rest and hopefully are prepared for tonight’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets are on the second leg of a back-to-back after beating Toronto last night by a score of 116-103. The Bulls are looking to take advantage of the possible fatigue displayed by Brooklyn tonight and come out with a much-needed win.

Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan are everything the Chicago Bulls need them to be

Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan have been arguably one of the best wing duos so far this season. In terms of statistics, they are head to head with tonight’s matchup, the duo of Durant/Harden. DeRozan is averaging 26.8 points per game, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 50 percent from the field. LaVine is averaging 26.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, putting up similar stats to DeRozan.

Keep in mind, LaVine is playing through a ligament tear in the thumb of his non-shooting hand. One can only think of how many more close games this team could have won if LaVine was fully healthy.

Chicago Bulls injury list vs. Brooklyn Nets

As for the Bulls, Patrick Williams still remains out for the season after suffering an unfortunate wrist injury against the Knicks. This was a huge blow for the Bulls as they have depended on Williams, the 4th overall pick in the 2020 draft, to have a significant impact on the team this season. Although no guarantee, there is still hope that he may return come playoff time.

Coby White is currently still in rehab after having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder this past offseason.  The Bulls are eager to have White back as it takes the load off of the starters and provides that added scoring off the bench. His return is anticipated and is exactly what the Bulls so desperately need after ranking last in the NBA for bench scoring.

The Nets’ injury report lists Nic Claxton and James Johnson. Kyrie Irving is out as expected. Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, and LaMarcus Aldridge are to play, but more news may come closer to tip-off.

What do the Chicago Bulls need to do

The Bulls’ lack of defensive energy in the first half may have been the biggest issue during their two-game road trip against the Celtics and 76ers. Although the Bulls came back and won against the Celtics after being down 19 points late in the third, they came up short and couldn’t beat the 76ers.

"“It definitely has to start [with defense],’’ DeRozan said. “That’s when we’re at our best, getting out in transition. When we work together defensively, we’ve shown it throughout the games when we’ve needed it the most. We got to put that pressure on as soon as tipoff.’’"

This is a winnable game for the Chicago Bulls

If they can bring a defensive mindset early in the game and contain Durant and Harden, while DeRozan and LaVine continue to play as they have been, the Bulls have a good chance at coming away with a much-needed win.

The Bulls have quite the upcoming schedule in November, going through a tough stretch facing some of the top teams in the league right now such as the Warriors and the Heat. Tonight’s matchup against Brooklyn is going to be an interesting test to the new-look Bulls but considering the Nets’ are on the second night of a back to back and quite possibly may be fatigued, you can’t count out the Bulls as they have the talent to battle this one out and start the season 7-3.