The Atlanta Hawks will try to reverse their losing trend against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday when they host the Bulls for their third meeting of the season.
The Bulls have won the first two meetings this season, defeating the Hawks 125-113 in Atlanta on Nov. 9 and 136-122 in Chicago on Nov. 22. The Bulls also have a three-game winning streak in games played in Atlanta.
Both teams are navigating through the holiday season. Atlanta has won six of its past 10 games, including a 117-104 victory over Minnesota on Monday to snap a three-game losing streak. Chicago, on the other hand, is 5-5 in its past 10 games and is coming off a 112-91 loss to Milwaukee on Monday.
Daniels has been a pleasant surprise for the Hawks since being acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in the offseason. Dubbed “The Great Barrier Thief,” he leads the NBA with 3.2 steals per game and had eight steals in Monday’s win over the Timberwolves. He averages 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
The Hawks also welcomed back Trae Young, who missed the previous game against Memphis with a bruised heel. Young scored 10 of his 29 points against Minnesota in the first quarter. The team has struggled to find someone to direct the offense when Young is not on the floor; he leads the league with an average of 12.0 assists.
The Bulls are second in the NBA in 3-point shooting attempts, averaging 44.0 per game. They’ve connected on 36.3 percent of them, although Coby White is shooting just 27.8 percent (20-for-72) on 3-pointers over the past nine games.
The Bulls have been without Josh Giddey (11.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists) for the past three games due to a sprained right ankle. Chicago also played the last game without Lonzo Ball, who was out with a non-COVID illness.
Atlanta has been missing versatile reserve Bogdan Bogdanovic, who missed the past game with a lower leg bruise, and backup center Onyeka Okongwu, who is out with left knee soreness.
This game promises to be an exciting matchup as the Hawks aim to reverse their trend and the Bulls look to continue their defensive intensity.
