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 Chicago knocked off the Toronto Raptors (twice), the Indiana Pacers,
the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics during their winning
streak but could not survive another Eastern Conference playoff
contender in a 120-105 loss at the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. “They
rocked us right away, hit us with a right-hand hook, stumbled us,”
Bulls forward Taj Gibson told ESPN.com. “We didn’t respond early.
They made a good run, and it’s always hard to fight back the whole
game.” The Wizards are trying to find some consistency themselves
after losing five of their last seven games. Washington snapped a
three-game slide with a 105-99 triumph at Orlando on Saturday and
has gone over 100 points in two of its last four games while failing
to reach 90 in the other two contests.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, CSN Mid-Atlantic (Washington), CSN Chicago
ABOUT THE WIZARDS (16-19): Washington’s recent spate of injuries has
put more pressure on point guard John Wall, and the reigning Eastern
Conference Player of the Month has mostly been up to the challenge.
Wall recorded 24 points and 10 assists on Saturday for his 10th
double-double in the last 12 games but also committed seven
turnovers. The former No. 1 overall pick could benefit from the
healthy return of shooting guard Bradley Beal (stress fracture), who
is reportedly a week or two away from returning to the lineup.
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ABOUT THE BULLS (22-13): Chicago surrendered 64 points in the first
half on Saturday, and coach Fred Hoiberg was disappointed in his
team’s effort. “They were getting whatever they wanted out there,”
Hoiberg told reporters. “They had 30 in the first, 34 in the second.
That’s just too many. They got every 50-50 ball. All the energy,
hustle plays, they beat us in the first half.” The setback dropped
the team to 6-8 on the road, and the Bulls will play 12 of their
next 15 away from home after finishing up with Washington.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Wizards F Otto Porter Jr. is 16-of-26 from the field in the last
three games.
2. Bulls C Joakim Noah (shoulder) could return on Monday after
missing the last nine games.
3. The teams split four meetings last season, with Washington
grabbing one victory in Chicago.
PREDICTION: Bulls 101, Wizards 89
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