The keys to Chicago Bulls’ home game vs. Washington Wizards

The Chicago Bulls (27-33) host the Washington Wizards (28-31) today. The Bulls are coming off a 131-87 home win against the Nets on Friday. Zach LaVine led the way with 32 points and six rebounds, DeMar DeRozan had 17 points, four rebounds and four assists, and Patrick Williams added 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists off the bench in the victory.

Lonzo Ball is still out with a left knee injury as the Bulls look to win their second straight game. Javonte Green (right knee soreness) and Goran Dragic (left knee soreness) are also out.

Washington Wizards (28-31) vs. Chicago Bulls (27-33)

Sunday, February 26 – 03:30 PM ET at United Center

Washington Wizards

Points Per Game: 113.6 (17th of 30)
Opponent Points Per Game: 113.4 (15th of 30)
Bench Points Per Game: 34.5 (16th of 30)
Pace: 98.8 (18th of 30)
Offensive Rating: 114.5 (15th of 30)
Defensive Rating: 114.4 (17th of 30)
Net Rating: +0.1 (18th of 30)

Chicago Bulls

Points Per Game: 113.4 (20th of 30)
Opponent Points Per Game: 112.9 (14th of 30)
Bench Points Per Game: 30.3 (24th of 30)
Pace: 99.6 (15th of 30)
Offensive Rating: 112.8 (24th of 30)
Defensive Rating: 112.4 (7th of 30)
Net Rating: +0.4 (16th of 30)

Contain Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma scored 23 points with five rebounds and three assists on 10-of-23 shooting and 3-of-12 from three-point range in Friday’s 115-109 home loss against the Knicks. Kuzma is averaging a career-high 21.4 points, and he’s improved his scoring every year he’s been in the NBA.

Kuzma is also averaging a career-high 3.9 assists, he’s a better playmaker and defender now, as not many players can score like him and not impact their team’s defense negatively. The 27-year-old is averaging 22.7 points, five rebounds, and two assists in 36.7 minutes over three games against the Bulls this season, and they must contain Kuzma to win their 28th game this season.

Bulls must prove they’re a different team

The Bulls have 22 games to save their season. Every game should be treated as a must-win playoff contest, and the team has to turn a new leaf, play for each other and go one matchup at a time. Friday’s contest was a solid first step, but it means nothing if they can’t beat the Wizards at home today.

The Wizards lead the Bulls by 1.5 games for the 10th seed in the East and a spot in the play-in tournament, and they’re seven games out of a guaranteed playoff spot. Losing this game would destroy the Bulls’ momentum, while a win would bring them closer to a second straight playoff appearance. This game could make or break the season for the Bulls.

Noteworthy

The Wizards won the last meeting, 100-97, on January 11. LaVine led the Bulls with 38 points.

Washington beat Chicago two of the last three times.

The Bulls are 7-3 in the last 10 matchups against the Wizards.

Wizards’ projected lineup: Gafford, Kuzma, Avdija, Beal, Morris

Bulls’ projected lineup: Vucevic, Caruso, LaVine, DeRozan, Beverley

Wizards’ Injury Report: Kristaps Porzingis is out (left knee soreness) against the Bulls

Bulls’ Injury Report: Lonzo Ball is out with a left knee injury. Javonte Green (right knee soreness) and Goran Dragic (left knee soreness) will also miss this game