Atlanta Hawks Game Preview: Jan. 20 Chicago Bulls

Opposing Player To Watch: Jimmy Butler

The Bulls may not be pretty to watch this season as a team, but Jimmy Butler sure is. If there was any doubt that Butler is a superstar, those doubts have been washed away. Butler is Chicago’s alpha and was named a starter on the Eastern Conference All-Star Team just last night.

Butler is averaging 24.8 points, 6.8 points, and 4.8 assists per game on 45.2 percent shooting and 34.5 percent from three-point range. Butler may not be a knockdown shooter from outside, but he’s an elite finisher at the rim and has an effective mid-range game. Without Butler to lead them, this team would be in the lottery. He’s been that good.

The last time these the Hawks and Bulls played he dropped 39 points in a loss. I imagine Thabo Sefolosha will guard him whenever they share the court together. Kent Bazemore will also probably cover him few at least a few possessions. They might not be able to stop him, they just have to hope they can make him work for his points.