Atlanta Hawks Game Preview: Jan. 20 Chicago Bulls

Key To The Game For Chicago: Wreak Havoc In the Paint

As we have discussed in detail, the Bulls can’t shoot from three-point range. They rank dead last in the NBA in three-point attempts and percentage. They haven’t exactly embraced the “space” part of pace and space. That’s not good, but they’ve still won 21 games. Something is working.

They do have Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler, two players with potent mid-range jumpers. If those two can hit enough pull-ups, get to the rim, and get to the free-throw line, Chicago will have a chance.

They rank 8th in the NBA in free-throw attempts per game and 3rd in made free-throw per game. That may be their path to victory tonight. Thabo Sefolosha and Kent Bazemore will have their work cut out for them defending Butler and Wade.

All they need to do is keep this game close. Once crunch-time arrives they can rely on Jimmy Butler to go and win them the game. He’s done that with regularity this season.