The former MVP scored in single digits in three straight games
before busting out with 29 points in a win over the Oklahoma City
Thunder on Thursday, but slumped back to 11 points on 3-of-13
shooting as Chicago dropped a 102-93 decision in overtime at home to
the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. The Bulls went scoreless in
the overtime period and ended up shooting 35.5 percent from the
field in their third loss in the last five games. The 76ers dropped
a 105-97 decision to the Orlando Magic on Saturday to mark their
fourth straight loss by eight or fewer points. Philadelphia
continues to get strong performances from rookies Jahlil Okafor and
T.J. McConnell as it inches closer to its first win.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBATV, CSN Chicago, CSN Philadelphia
ABOUT THE BULLS (4-3): Chicago is trying to work a semi-healthy Rose
(orbital fracture) back into heavy minutes while adapting to a new
offensive system under first-year head coach Fred Hoiberg, and the
team has yet to put it together on both ends of the floor. "We don't
play hard sometimes," guard Jimmy Butler told reporters after
Saturday’s loss. "Effort. It was another one of them games relying
on offense. There's multiple ways to put it, but it is a problem."
Butler was held to a season-low 11 points on 4-of-15 shooting in the
setback.
ABOUT THE 76ERS (0-6): Okafor is everything that had been advertised
of the No. 3 overall pick so far and is averaging 19.7 points while
forming a dynamic frontcourt tandem with Nerlens Noel. Okafor
blocked a season-high three shots to go along with 19 points on
Saturday but Philadelphia could not come up with enough to knock off
the Magic. Second-year guard Nik Stauskas is also getting a chance
to play a big role for the team but is struggling with his 3-point
shooting (11-of-39) in the last four games.
[to top of second column] |
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BUZZER BEATERS
1. Bulls starting F Nikola Mirotic totaled 11 points on 4-of-24
shooting in the last three games.
2. McConnell is averaging 9.3 assists in the last four games.
3. Chicago has taken six straight in the series.
PREDICTION: Bulls 102, 76ers 93
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