Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone has a clear message for his team: complacency is not an option. The Nuggets are set to visit the struggling Chicago Bulls on Monday night, looking to bounce back from a 133-104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, which marked the start of a five-game road trip.
Jokic, a perennial MVP candidate, had an off day by his standards in the loss to Minnesota, contributing 20 points and 11 assists but only three rebounds. This snapped a streak of five consecutive triple-doubles for Jokic, who scored just seven points after the first quarter.
The Bulls, losers of eight of their last 10 games, are looking for ways to spark a turnaround. Limiting turnovers is a top priority for Chicago, as they had 20 turnovers in their 109-97 home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. Late miscues prevented the Bulls from maintaining momentum after entering the fourth quarter with a three-point lead.
Zach LaVine has been a bright spot for the Bulls, scoring at least 24 points in four straight games. Josh Giddey has also been impressive, notching three consecutive double-doubles.
Playmaker Coby White has missed the past three games due to an ankle injury, and the rest of the roster knows it must step up its contributions.
This will be the first meeting of the season between the Bulls and Nuggets. Denver is 7-3 in the past 10 games in the series, including a pair of victories last season. Nikola Vucevic has been solid against Denver, averaging 20.1 points and 9.8 rebounds in his past 10 games against them. LaVine has contributed 20-plus points in six of his past seven games versus the Nuggets.
Jokic had a standout performance in the first Bulls-Nuggets game last season, posting 28 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists. In 15 career games against Chicago, he averages 17.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists.
The Nuggets will look to regain their form and secure a win against the struggling Bulls, while Chicago aims to end its losing streak and get back on track.
