The Chicago Bulls look to forget Sunday's horrific loss and bounce back with a win at the Utah Jazz on Monday. Lack of energy and inconsistency have been continual issues for the Bulls as of late.
Bulls Recently Showing Lack Of Fight
Chicago (26-20) is looking for a different tune in their seven-game road trip Monday against the Jazz (21-15). With the road trip starting off 1-1, the Bulls hope to turn things around.
On Sunday, the Bulls showed a significant lack of effort and intensity against the streaky Los Angeles Clippers. Chicago was outrebounded, outhustled, and outplayed. It seems as though the Bulls have more effort and energy when the games are played at night than when they are during the day.
After Sunday's defeat, Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol acknowledged that the team "lacks discipline."
Jazz Look For First Three-Game Streak At Home
Utah is hoping to extend their winning streak to three as the Bulls come to town. The Jazz has won five of their last 10 games. With center Rudy Gobert in the Utah's lineup, it'll be tough for Chicago to score anywhere under, above, or around the rim.
The Jazz had won two games in a row eight different times in the season already, and they are looking to have their first three-game winning streak at home. As they prepare themselves to face the inconsistent Bulls, the Jazz have yet to determine which Chicago Bulls are going to show up.
Chicago has been exposed at the small forward position on multiple occasions. With the inconsistencies of Doug McDermott and Tony Snell filling that role, it is clear that Mike Dunleavy is truly missed by this team. Having E'Twaun Moore fill that spot didn’t help the Bulls compete on Sunday. It will not be a surprise if Hoiberg moves Jimmy Butler to the 3 slot to strengthen the starting five's overall stability.
The last meeting these two teams faced each other was last season, January 2015. The Jazz beat the Bulls at the United Center by a score of 97-77. Utah power forward Derrick Favors recorded a double-double that night.
With a loss to the Clippers Sunday, it will be interesting to see how well the Bulls play against a .500 team in the West. The Bulls have been stronger on the road than at home this season, so with this trip starting at 1-1, it’s safe to say that the Bulls will make beneficial enhancements and tweaks as the road trip progresses.
The silver lining in this roller coaster ride with the Bulls is that the former MVP Derrick Rose has been a nonstop, aggressive force. He is, however, suffering from a dry spell at the free throw line; he averages at least 2.5 FTA per game. Maybe tonight will be a turnaround for him and the Bulls.