Game Preview: Bulls v Rockets

The Houston Rockets travel to Illinois to play the Chicago Bulls at United
Center on Friday. The Rockets (44-21) come into this matchup losing three of
their last five, which is one of their worst stretches of the season. Prior to
that, they had won six of seven, so it’s really nothing to be concerned with.
What’s killed them in their losses has been the defense, as they’ve allowed at
least 112 points in nine-straight defeats. While they can match that with their
elite scoring, that’s simply too poor of defense to win games consistently. It’s
not all ugliness though on that end of the floor, as Houston sits 14th in
defensive efficiency, which is a huge surprise to most. The real concern is if
the shots aren’t going down, as this is a team that lives or dies by the
three-ball. That can also make this team extremely scary too, as they can shoot
an opponent out of a game on any give night. The Bulls (31-33) have lost
three-straight and four of their last five, as they continue to struggle. It’s
the offense that’s taken a major hit, as they’ve scored 95 points or less in
four-straight games. That’s an ugly number and it comes as no surprise that
Chicago ranks 24th in scoring. Too much of the load is put on Dwyane Wade and
Jimmy Butler’s shoulders and it’s led to Wade missing games recently with a
thigh issue. The amazing thing is that the Bulls are still hanging around, as
they’ve miraculously maintained the eight-seed in the east. Miami and Milwaukee
are hot on their tails though and it will take a late run from the Bulls to
achieve that coveted playoff berth.