Game preview and injury report: Chicago Bulls come back home to play vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Chicago Bulls (36-39) host the Los Angeles Lakers (37-38) tonight. The Bulls are returning to Chicago from a road trip that ended with a disappointing 124-112 loss to the Clippers on Monday. Zach LaVine led the way with 23 points, five rebounds, and three assists, DeMar DeRozan had 21 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, and Nikola Vucevic added 20 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in the defeat.
Los Angeles Lakers (37-38) vs. Chicago Bulls (36-39)
Wednesday, March 29 – 8:00 PM ET at United Center
Los Angeles Lakers
- Points Per Game: 116.4 (10th of 30)
- Opponent Points Per Game: 116.7 (21st of 30)
- Bench Points Per Game: 40.5 (4th of 30)
- Pace: 101.3 (3rd of 30)
- Offensive Rating: 113.8 (22nd of 30)
- Defensive Rating: 114.1 (11th of 30)
- Net Rating: -0.3 (20th of 30)
Chicago Bulls
- Points Per Game: 113.4 (20th of 30)
- Opponent Points Per Game: 112.4 (8th of 30)
- Bench Points Per Game: 30.6 (24th of 30)
- Pace: 98.6 (17th of 30)
- Offensive Rating: 113.6 (24th of 30)
- Defensive Rating: 112.6 (6th of 30)
- Net Rating: +1 (13th of 30)
Dennis Schroder on the rise
Dennis Schroder had 17 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two steals on 4-of-10 shooting and 2-of-6 from three-point range in Sunday's loss to the Bulls. Schroder has been playing well lately, averaging 15.1 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in 29.1 minutes over his last 10 games.
Overall, Schroder is averaging 13 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 30.6 minutes over 61 games this season He has also logged in 49 starts. The veteran point guard has done everything the Lakers have asked him to do on the court and the Bulls must contain him to win their 37th game this season.
Of course, the biggest threats from the visiting team could be LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but since they are included in the injury report below, it remains to be seen whether the two will suit up at all.
Transition offense
It's no secret that half-court offense has been an issue for the Bulls this season. They're playing better as of late, and they countered that inability to score on Sunday.
The way the Bulls scored in transition against the Lakers helped their half-court offense in that game. The Bulls forced 18 turnovers allowing them to get out in transition, while they turned the ball over just nine times.
The nine-turnover differential led to Chicago outscoring Los Angeles 18-9 on fastbreak points. The Bulls must stick to this game plan on Wednesday and outscore the Lakers in fastbreak points once again.
Noteworthy
- The Bulls won the last meeting, 118-108. LaVine led the Bulls with 32 points.
- Chicago beat Los Angeles three of the last five times.
- The Bulls are 3-7 in the last 10 matchups against the Lakers.
Projected lineups
- Lakers: Davis, Vanderbilt, James, Reaves, Schroder
- Bulls: Vucevic, Williams, LaVine, DeRozan, Beverley
Injury report
- Lakers: Anthony Davis (right foot stress injury) and D'Angelo Russell (right hip soreness) are probable. LeBron James (right foot soreness) is questionable and Mo Bamba (left high-ankle sprain) is out against the Bulls.
- Bulls: Lonzo Ball is out with a left knee injury. Javonte Green (right knee soreness) and Alex Caruso (left midfoot soreness) are listed as questionable.
