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 While the Bulls look to halt a win-loss pattern that has remained
largely constant for the past three weeks, the Hawks hope to figure
things out on the offensive end. Atlanta racked up an average of
122.5 points in consecutive victories over the Philadelphia 76ers
and Minnesota Timberwolves, but followed that up by managing just 87
points per game in losses to the Indiana Pacers, Minnesota
Timberwolves and — most recently — the Memphis Grizzles.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Atlanta), CSN Chicago
ABOUT THE HAWKS (25-24): As good as power forward Paul Millsap has
been for Atlanta — particularly with starting center Al Horford lost
for the season with a torn pectoral muscle — he has been prone to
mistakes that have cost his team. Saturday's loss to the Grizzlies
provided a perfect look at Millsap's year to date — he racked up 20
points, 11 rebounds, six assists and five steals but was on the hook
for five turnovers. Four of them came in a 6 1/2-minute stretch of
the third quarter that saw Memphis fight back from a six-point
deficit to take a lead it wouldn't relinquish.
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ABOUT THE BULLS (25-25): As it has throughout the season, an injury
to a key starter has provided opportunity for a role player in the
Chicago lineup. With power forward Carlos Boozer missing
back-to-back games with a calf injury, Taj Gibson has been thrust
into the starting role — and is taking advantage in a big way.
Gibson erupted for 26 points and 13 rebounds in a 102-87 defeat at
the hands of the Golden State Warriors, then followed that up with a
18-point effort in the win over the Lakers.
BUZZER-BEATERS
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Chicago has won three straight meetings, holding Atlanta to an
average of 72.7 points over that stretch.
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Millsap averages 14.5 points and 7.6 rebounds in 13 career games
versus the Bulls.
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Atlanta is 6-2 in games following losses by four points or fewer.
PREDICTION: Bulls 90, Hawks 81
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