Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets Picks and Predictions December 13th 2024

Hornets and Bulls Face Off After Extended Breaks, Seeking Momentum

The Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets return to action Friday night in Chicago after a four-day break following their respective eliminations from the NBA Cup. Both teams are looking to turn their seasons around, with the Bulls trying to snap a two-game skid and the Hornets aiming to build on a rare victory.

Hornets Adjusting Without LaMelo Ball

Charlotte ended an eight-game losing streak with a 113-109 win over Indiana on Sunday. Rookie Brandon Miller led the way with 26 points, including clutch free throws in the closing seconds to seal the win. The victory came despite the continued absence of star guard LaMelo Ball, who has been sidelined with a calf strain since late November.

Ball had been on a scoring tear before his injury, averaging 31.1 points and 6.9 assists per game. While his return isn’t expected on Friday, reports suggest he’s “inching closer” to rejoining the lineup.

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In Ball’s absence, the Hornets have also been without backup point guard Tre Mann (back issues), leaving Vasilije Milic to handle starting duties. Milic has performed admirably, scoring at least 13 points in four of the past six games.

Charlotte’s injury woes extend beyond the backcourt, with forward Miles Bridges also sidelined. Coach Charles Lee praised his staff’s efforts in managing the lineup amid the rash of injuries.

“Every injury has different boxes you have to check off,” Lee said, reflecting on the challenges of adjusting rotations and strategies.

Bulls Looking to Regain Form

The Bulls head into Friday’s game after consecutive home losses to Indiana and Philadelphia. Zach LaVine, the team’s leading scorer at 22.1 points per game, has been a bright spot, posting 32 and 30 points in the two defeats.

LaVine has embraced a more balanced scoring role this season, but his recent performances are reminiscent of his All-Star-level production from previous years.

“There might be a game where I may need to go out there and try and lead the team offensively,” LaVine told the Chicago Sun-Times. “But this year has been more about spurts.”

Center Nikola Vucevic, Chicago’s second-leading scorer at 21 points per game, has struggled in the last two contests, scoring just 13 points in each. However, Vucevic remains efficient inside the arc, shooting a career-best 64.2 percent on two-point attempts—a potential area of exploitation against a Charlotte defense allowing opponents to shoot 55.8 percent inside the arc.

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Matchup to Watch: LaVine vs. Miller

The absence of LaMelo Ball eliminates the anticipated on-court reunion of the Ball brothers, as Lonzo Ball has only recently returned to the Bulls’ lineup after a nearly three-year absence. Instead, attention shifts to the scoring battle between Chicago’s LaVine and Charlotte’s Miller. Both players have been in excellent form, with Miller stepping up as a rookie leader and LaVine showing flashes of his dynamic scoring ability.

What to Watch For

• Bulls’ Inside Game: With Vucevic’s efficiency in the paint and Charlotte’s defensive struggles inside the arc, Chicago could dominate the interior.
• Hornets’ Guard Play: How well Milic manages the offense against Chicago’s defense will be key to Charlotte’s competitiveness.
• Rebounding Battle: Both teams will need strong efforts on the glass to control the game’s pace and second-chance opportunities.

Outlook

Both teams are searching for consistency and momentum as they return from their extended breaks. The Bulls, with home-court advantage and a healthier lineup, are in a strong position to capitalize on Charlotte’s depleted roster. However, the Hornets have shown flashes of resilience and could make things interesting if their young players continue to step up.