Chicago Bulls vs Washington-wizards Picks and Predictions January 10th 2025

Bulls Look to Avenge Loss Against Wizards at Home

The Chicago Bulls aim to bounce back from a recent loss to the Washington Wizards as they open a five-game homestand on Friday night. Chicago, looking to solidify its playoff positioning, will face a Wizards team struggling to find consistency amid injuries and setbacks.

Bulls Seek Redemption

The Bulls (19-17) are eager to recover after a 129-113 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. That defeat followed a stretch where Chicago won four of five games, the lone loss coming in a 125-107 setback to the Wizards on Jan. 1.

Zach LaVine has been on fire, scoring at least 30 points in each of his last four games. He’s averaging 23.3 points per game this season and led the Bulls with 32 points in their recent loss to Washington. However, turnovers have plagued Chicago, including 18 against Indiana that led to 17 points.

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan emphasized the need for improved ball control:

“The turnovers started early. We never really found a flow, so we were always back on our heels for most of the game,” Donovan said.

Nikola Vucevic, who is averaging 20.2 points per game this season, struggled in the first meeting with Washington, shooting just 5-of-17. Patrick Williams and Coby White will also need to elevate their performances to provide the Bulls with balanced scoring.

Wizards Struggling Amid Injuries

Washington (13-23) has lost four straight games since its Jan. 1 win over Chicago. The Wizards are just 1-6 since Dec. 28 and 3-11 dating back to early December. Injuries have added to their woes, with leading scorer Jordan Poole (21.8 points per game) and Malcolm Brogdon (13.8 points) both missing significant time.

Jared Butler stepped up for the Wizards in Wednesday’s 109-103 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring a career-high 26 points in just 20 minutes. Corey Kispert added 23 points off the bench, while Richaun Holmes grabbed 11 rebounds.

Butler expressed pride in making the most of his opportunity:

“It feels great. A lot of hard work, a lot of patience, and sometimes the opportunity isn’t the most glamorous. Don’t get bitter, get better, stay patient, and just make the most out of it,” Butler said.

The Wizards shot 49.5 percent in their Jan. 1 win over Chicago, with Poole leading the way with 30 points. However, Poole is listed as questionable for Friday’s game due to a left hip contusion, while Brogdon is ruled out with a right foot issue.

Key Matchup: Bulls’ Turnovers vs. Wizards’ Opportunistic Defense

In their previous meeting, Chicago committed 20 turnovers, which Washington converted into 33 points. The Bulls will need to protect the ball and capitalize on the Wizards’ shorthanded roster to avoid another costly loss.

With LaVine in top form and Vucevic seeking redemption, Chicago has the firepower to control the game. However, the Wizards’ bench, led by Butler and Kispert, has shown it can step up in the absence of their stars.

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What’s at Stake

The Bulls need a strong showing during this five-game homestand to remain in the playoff hunt, making Friday’s game a must-win to start the stretch on the right foot. For the Wizards, it’s an opportunity to snap their losing streak and build momentum despite their injury woes.

With both teams eager to assert themselves, fans can expect an intense battle as Chicago looks to avenge its earlier loss and Washington seeks to defy the odds once again.