The Chicago Bulls will host a showdown against the Washington Wizards at the United Center. Action begins at 8:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Feb. 24 and can be seen on ESP, CSC and WA2.
The Bulls are expecting a better outcome after their 113-90 loss to the Hawks in their last matchup. Despite the loss, Pau Gasol earned his 30th double-double this season with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Wizards, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 99-92 loss against the Bucks in their last game. Bradley Beal led the team in scoring with 19 points.
Gasol has taken his game to another level over the last five games for the Bulls. During that stretch, he has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 1.8 three-pointers. The Wizards also have their own player combo that has upped their production in that same time frame. Beal has averaged 21.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 2.2 three-pointers, while John Wall has put up 25.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 11.4 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 2.8 three-pointers.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Wizards winning the first matchup 114-100. Jimmy Butler had a standout performance with 19 points, four rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and one three-pointer in the loss.
Notes
When allowing fewer than 100 points, the Bulls are 20-3 on the season. When the Wizards score fewer than 100, they are a subpar 3-16.
When allowing 100 or more points in a game, the Bulls are just 7-22 this season. Washington is a solid 20-12 when it hits the century mark.
The Bulls have an offensive rating of 101.2 (ranked 26th). The Wizards rank 21st for their defensive rating of 105.8.
The Chicago Bulls average 100.0 possessions per game and 1.012 points per possession, while the Washington Wizards earn fewer possessions (99.5) but more points per possession (1.032).
Washington has an average effective field goal percentage of 50.9% (ranked ninth in the league}. Chicago is an abysmal 3-11 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
Chicago makes an average of 21.9 assists per game (ranked 14th). Washington ranks higher in assists with 24.0 (ranked sixth).
Chicago, the fifth-ranked team in terms of blocking, makes an average of 5.9 blocks per game. Washington ranks lower at 27th with 3.8.
Chicago is ranked sixth in offensive rebounding. Washington ranks 28th in defensive rebounds.
The Washington Wizards earn an average of 8.9 steals per game and are ranked fifth. The Chicago Bulls have a 12-15 record when they allow at least 8 steals.
