Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Predictions January 15th 2025

Hawks’ Trae Young aims for another big night vs. Bulls

After an explosive 43-point performance on Tuesday, Trae Young is ready to carry the load once again as the Atlanta Hawks visit the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Young’s leadership was pivotal in Atlanta’s 122-117 win over the Phoenix Suns, a game that showcased both his scoring prowess and his ability to inspire the team amid injuries.

“We always got to give a little more, including myself,” Young stated postgame, underlining his commitment to stepping up when needed most.

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Hawks Leaning on Depth Amid Injuries

The Hawks have been battling injuries to key players:

• Jalen Johnson (shoulder soreness) missed his fourth straight game on Tuesday.
• De’Andre Hunter was sidelined after a left foot injury during warmups.

Despite these setbacks, Atlanta’s bench stepped up impressively:

• Onyeka Okongwu delivered a historic 22-point, 21-rebound performance, becoming the first Hawks reserve in franchise history to notch a 20/20 game.

Okongwu’s dominance in the paint highlighted the Hawks’ depth and resilience, providing crucial support alongside Young’s offensive explosion.

Bulls Looking for Momentum in Tight Playoff Race

For the Chicago Bulls, this game represents an opportunity to close the 2.5-game gap behind Atlanta for ninth place in the Eastern Conference. A win would also solidify their position in the head-to-head tiebreaker, a potentially decisive factor for playoff seeding.

Key Contributors for Chicago:

• Zach LaVine: After scoring a season-high 37 points against the Hawks on Dec. 26, LaVine’s ability to perform under pressure will be crucial. Though inconsistent recently, he bounced back with 25 points in Tuesday’s game against the Pelicans.
• Nikola Vucevic: The veteran big man has embraced his rebounding role, pulling down a season-high 15 boards against New Orleans. With his 25th double-double of the season, Vucevic remains a cornerstone for Chicago’s interior presence.
• Coby White: With 22 points against the Pelicans, White continues to add scoring depth to the Bulls’ rotation.

Season Series Insights and Rivalry Dynamics

The Bulls hold a 2-1 lead in the season series, with all three games featuring double-digit swings:

1. Nov. 9: A 12-point road victory for Chicago.
2. Nov. 22: A commanding 14-point win at home for the Bulls.
3. Dec. 26: The Hawks rallied for a thrilling 141-133 victory, their highest-scoring game of the season, led by Jalen Johnson’s 30-point, 15-rebound double-double.

This season marks an opportunity for the Bulls to win consecutive season series against Atlanta for the first time since 2013-14.

Injury Updates and Strategic Adjustments

The Bulls are managing their own injury concerns:

• Ayo Dosunmu is expected to return after missing 10 games due to a calf injury.
• Lonzo Ball will sit out the second game of the back-to-back set as part of injury management. Ball posted a solid stat line in Tuesday’s loss, contributing 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

The absence of Ball means Chicago will rely more heavily on LaVine, Vucevic, and White to maintain their offensive rhythm.

Daily NBA Picks & Predictions

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Trae Young vs. Bulls’ Defense: Young’s playmaking and scoring ability will test Chicago’s ability to contain him, especially with gaps in their perimeter defense.
2. Rebounding Battle: Vucevic’s renewed focus on rebounding will be critical against Okongwu, who dominated the glass in his recent 20/20 outing.
3. Zach LaVine’s Consistency: LaVine’s ability to sustain high-scoring performances could be the difference-maker in this tightly contested matchup.

What’s at Stake?

With both teams vying for playoff positioning, the outcome could have long-term implications:

• A win for Atlanta extends their lead in the standings, while Chicago needs this victory to keep pace.
• The head-to-head tiebreaker could prove decisive as the postseason approaches.

Conclusion

The Hawks and Bulls bring contrasting strengths into this high-stakes matchup, with Trae Young and Onyeka Okongwu leading Atlanta’s charge, while Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic anchor Chicago’s efforts. With playoff implications hanging in the balance, fans can expect an intense showdown packed with energy, determination, and pivotal moments.