Game preview and injury report: Chicago Bulls look to end two-game losing streak vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Coming off two straight losses to the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards, the Chicago Bulls (19-23) look to return to winning ways as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder (19-23) tonight for their last regular season matchup.

Oklahoma City Thunder (19-23) vs. Chicago Bulls (19-23)

Friday, January 13 – 08:00 PM ET at United Center

Oklahoma City Thunder

Points Per Game: 116.7 (7th of 30)
Opponent Points Per Game: 116.5 (23rd of 30)
Bench Points Per Game: 38.5 (7th of 30)
Pace: 101.5 (4th of 30)
Offensive Rating: 113.4 (17th of 30)
Defensive Rating: 113.2 (11th of 30)
Net Rating: +0.2 (15th of 30)

Chicago Bulls

Points Per Game: 114.2 (13th of 30)
Opponent Points Per Game: 114.9 (18th of 30)
Bench Points Per Game: 31 (23rd of 30)
Pace: 99.5 (14th of 30)
Offensive Rating: 113.4 (16th of 30)
Defensive Rating: 114.1 (20th of 30)
Net Rating: -0.7 (20th of 30)

Contain Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

It has been an exciting season for the Thunder, as this team is largely outperforming expectations thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The talented guard has taken his game to a superstar level through 38 games.

Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31 points, 5.6 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 35.7 minutes over 38 games, shooting 50.4% from the field.

The 24-year-old is also coming off a 37-point outing in a win against the Philadelphia 76ers and will look to do the same against the Bulls tonight. However, if Chicago contains OKC's star guard, their losing streak might end at two games.

Thunder offense vs. Bulls defense

OKC's offense will be a big test for the Bulls on the defensive end of the court. The Thunder play at a fast pace, averaging 101.5 possessions per 48 minutes. They also have the seventh-best offense in the league (116.7 points per game), and their bench ranks seventh in the NBA, averaging 38.5 points per game.

The Bulls, who rank 20th in defensive rating at 114.1, have been inconsistent defensively as of late. But with an offensive juggernaut in town, the team will need a complete defensive performance to secure their 20th win of the season.

Chicago has to play with physicality and constant movement on the defensive end and control the pace against the young Oklahoma City team, who have won three of their last four games.

Noteworthy

The Thunder won the last meeting, 123-119, in OT on November 25; DeRozan led the Bulls with 30 points.

Chicago beat Oklahoma City three of the last four times.

The Bulls are 4-6 in the last ten matchups against the Thunder.

Bulls’ projected lineup: Vucevic, Williams, LaVine, Dosunmu, Caruso

Thunder’s projected lineup: Williams, Omoruyi, Dort, Giddey, Gilgeous-Alexander

Bulls Injury Report: Lonzo Ball (knee), Javonte Green (right knee soreness), and Tony Bradley (non-COVID illness) are out; DeMar DeRozan (right quad strain) is doubtful; Zach LaVine (right hand contusion) is probable

Thunder Injury Report: Chet Holmgreen (right foot surgery), Aleksej Pokusevski (non-displaced fracture, left leg), Ousmane Dieng (non-displaced fracture, right wrist), and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (right ankle sprain) are out for the Thunder