Three Things to Watch: Bulls square off against Wizards

Share

It's Bulls and Wizards this afternoon on NBC Sports Chicago, and we've got coverage starting at 2 p.m. with Bulls Pregame Live. Stay with us throughout the afternoon as the red-hot Bulls look to keep their streak going. Here are three things to watch for in today's game.

1. The hottest team in basketball. Yes, you read that correctly. The Bulls' 10-2 record since December 8 is the best in the NBA, ahead of Golden State, Cleveland, Boston, Houston and the other 25 teams in the league. It has to be considered one of the most unlikely hot streaks in NBA history, considering it began when the Bulls were 3-20 and had lost 10 straight games. But the fun is far from over, especially with Zach LaVine inching closer to a return. We're going to enjoy the wins while they're coming in.

2. An encore from the rookie. The Bulls' power forwards are playing exceptionally well. We know how Nikola Mirotic has changed the team since arriving, and Bobby Portis is playing spirited basketball on the second unit. But the big story is always going to be Lauri Markkanen, and he's certainly deserving of headlines these days. The Finnish rookie went off for a career-high 32 points against the Pacers. Now he gets a chance to add to that against a Wizards team that likes to play small at times.

3. Be wary of this backcourt. The Bulls are riding high these days, and they are playing like they have the utmost confidence. But the Wizards may have the East's most lethal backccourt in John Wall and Bradley Beal. Wall is returning to form after missing time earlier in the year with an injury, while Beal already has a 51-point game to his resume this season. These two are fun to watch and will present a huge test for the Bulls' own backcourt.

Contact Us