Game Time: 8 PM ET
Where: United Center Chicago, IL
Channel: NBA TV
New Orleans Pelicans (1-1) @ Chicago Bulls (2-1)
The Chicago Bulls continue on without a currently sidelined Derrick Rose in their fourth preseason game of the year against superstar big man Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans. The Bulls, who won 50 games last year and were eliminated by the defending Eastern Conference champions Cleveland Cavaliers, are looking to try and build a championship season under new coach Fred Hoiberg after falling short in recent years.
The Pelicans, winners of 45 games last season and the final Western playoff spot, are looking to help build upon the first playoff season in the career of elite big man Anthony Davis and continue their progress towards a championship.
The Bulls are not going to have former MVP and Rookie of the year Derrick Rose for this game, as he is still recovering from a fractured left orbital injury suffered on September 29th. However, the intrigue and talent for the Bulls is still there. With three other players who have made an All-Star team in previous years in the starting lineup in Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah, the team is still indeed very talented.
The Pelicans are a formidable team led by Davis, who is looking to become an MVP. The lineup also consists of solid players such as Jrue Holiday, Tyreke Evans, Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson.
Players to Watch:
Bulls forward Doug McDermott: McDermott has a team leading 18 points per game in his first three preseason games for the Chicago Bulls. With a reputation for high basketball IQ and great three-point shooting, Doug will look to put on a show.
Pelicans forward Anthony Davis: Coming off a year in which he averaged a superb 30.89 PER, the star big man is a potential MVP candidate and must-see television.
Bulls forward Jimmy Butler: After a breakout season in which he became a potential Bulls leader and superstar swingman, Jimmy Butler is looking to prove himself as a league superstar.
Preseason Report:
Chicago Bulls: The Bulls have wins over the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves while being defeated by the Denver Nuggets. The team has averaged 104.3 points in the preseason while allowing 104 points per game. Doug McDermott has average 18 points while shooting 50 percent from three while playing 31.3 minutes.
New Orleans Pelicans: The Pelicans have a win over the Indiana Pacers and a defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks. The Team has scored 203 points in the preseason while allowing 208. Anthony Davis leads all scorers for his team in the preseason with 19 points in his first two games.