Chicago Bulls

The Oklahoma City Thunder team (35-22) currently holds the 6th place in the standings, while the Chicago Bulls team, with 20 wins and 38 losses in the Eastern Conference, is in the 10th position. Surprisingly, despite the significant difference in wins and losses between the teams, both remain in the fight for a playoff spot.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma team is one of the “hottest” teams in the league, having won 12 of their last 15 games, including the last 3 matches. The team, which was criticized by many basketball analysts before the season, is far exceeding expectations. Averaging 111 points per game and shooting 47% from the field, the team shines in offense, with much credit going to the young talent S. Gilgeous-Alexander. One of the most improved players in the league this season, he averages just over 19 points and 6 rebounds per game. Gilgeous-Alexander is also not shy about taking the initiative in crucial moments of the game and, together with All-Star veteran Chris Paul, forms a formidable backcourt tandem.

Although there were talks before the season that Chris Paul would request a trade and not want to play for a team with little chance of making the playoffs, that did not happen. The point guard is showing excellent form and has become a pleasant surprise for all Oklahoma City Thunder fans. The team, having won 8 consecutive road games, is the clear favorite to extend this streak in tomorrow's match.

Unlike the Oklahoma City Thunder team, the Chicago Bulls are currently experiencing one of their worst stretches of the season. Having lost 10 of their last 14 games, the Bulls average just 106 points per game while allowing 109. Looking at the team's roster, it might seem that this team is promising and just needs to get into a rhythm, but that is simply not happening due to constant injuries. For example, in the last game against the Washington Wizards, the Chicago Bulls were missing 7 players: W. Carter, K. Dunn, C. Hutchison, L. Kornet, L. Markkanen, O. Porter, and D. Valentine. It is still unclear whether any of them will play in tomorrow's game, but it is unlikely.

The main source of optimism for the Chicago Bulls team is the well-performing guard Z. LaVine, who is gradually becoming the team's leader from a league average player. Averaging 25 points and 5 rebounds per game, the guard does not shy away from taking the initiative in crucial moments and is the undisputed leader of the Chicago Bulls. With the team plagued by injuries, rookie Cody White is also increasingly showing his potential, averaging 12 points off the bench.

The Chicago Bulls team has no shortage of potential, but given the current situation, expecting a good performance in a match against one of the better teams in the league would be very naive.

Prediction

The Chicago Bulls team is one of the worst defensive teams in the league, while the Oklahoma City Thunder team is currently one of the hardest to stop in the entire league. In 26 road games, the Oklahoma team “covered” the spread in 21 of them, so a similar scenario can be expected in this match. The Chicago Bulls relied on just 8 rotation players in the game against the Wizards, and something similar can be expected in this match.