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 Charlotte put up a decent effort on the defensive end and still
could not stop Stephen Curry from scoring 40 points on 18 shots in
31 minutes of a 116-99 loss to the Warriors on Wednesday. The
Hornets can still count the seven-game homestand a success, as the
only two losses came to Golden State and fellow NBA finalists the
Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bulls are battling the Cavaliers for the
top spot in the East but is still having trouble getting on the same
page with first-year coach Fred Hoiberg's scheme on offense. "We're
11-5. C'mon, if it was the other way around we'd be hanging our
heads and there would be something to talk about," Chicago guard
Derrick Rose told reporters in reference to any struggles. "As long
as we are winning games, no matter how we win them, as long as we
have one more point at the end of the games, we're fine with it."
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Charlotte), WGN (Chicago)
ABOUT THE HORNETS (10-8): Charlotte lost Al Jefferson to a calf
strain and is having some trouble replacing the physical presence he
provides in the post. The Hornets were outrebounded 53-41 on
Wednesday and Cody Zeller, who was starting in place of Jefferson,
managed three boards in 17 minutes. "The one thing that is
disappointing, and that has to change, is you can't pick and choose
when you're going to be physical," Hornets coach Steve Clifford told
reporters.
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ABOUT THE BULLS (11-5): Charlotte could use a physical inside
presence to go up against Pau Gasol, who delivered 26 points, 19
rebounds and four blocks in a 99-90 win over Denver on Wednesday.
"He's a smart player," Rose told reporters of Gasol. "He reads the
plays well. A couple of times (Wednesday) he (fended off) the screen
and I was able to get to the lane. That comes off just playing and
his IQ. He's a big who is very smart, who can pass the ball and read
the play." Gasol had 19 points and 13 boards in a 102-97 home win
over the Hornets on Nov. 13.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The home team has taken each of the last four games in the
series.
2. Charlotte G Kemba Walker is coming off a season-low four points
on 2-of-16 shooting.
3. Chicago F Nikola Mirotic (concussion) is unlikely to play.
PREDICTION: Bulls 93, Hornets 91
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