The Chicago Bulls travel to Georgia to play the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on Wednesday.
The Bulls (4-3) have been better than expected this season and the success comes in a fashion that is surprising to Chicago fans. It’s been the offense that has carried this club, as they rank ninth in scoring with numerous blowoups in the first few games. Rebounding hasn’t regressed a bit either, as they rank second, despite losing Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah in the offseason. Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo have given this team something they overlooked, as the leadership from these two make this feel like a winning team. Taj Gibson has been Mr. Steady too, as he leads the team in rebounding, plays elite defense and flirts with a double-double on a nightly basis. With Gibson and Wade providing great defense, this is definitely a team that will make noise all season long.
The Hawks (5-2) have had one small blip on the radar, but have been perfect aside from that. Atlanta lost two-straight to the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers, but have responded with wins over the Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers most recently. They’ve been getting it done in every facet too, as they rank top-10 in points scored, points allowed, rebounds and assists per game. The combination of Paul Millsap and Dennis Schroeder drive many of those statistics, as they are developing into one of the best guard-forward twosomes in the league. Dwight Howard has been a nice revival as well, as he gives this team a much needed rebounding presence.
In a battle between two Eastern Conference contenders, look for the Hawks to be a small favorite in their home building.
