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The Atlanta Hawks look to bounce back from Friday night's disappointing loss to the Golden State Warriors when they take on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Saturday.
Atlanta blew a 15 point lead in the fourth quarter in Friday's loss to the Warriors at Philips Arena. Andre Iguodala hit a three as time expired to complete Golden State's comeback 101-100. The Hawks drop to 18-15 on the season and are just 2-2 since Al Horford's season ending injury.
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The Bulls can certainly relate in terms of losing key players to injury. Chicago has struggled in wake of Derrick Rose's injury but now is close to having the rest of the roster healthy and figures to be a part of the East playoff picture even without the former MVP.
Chicago defeated Boston at home on Thursday 94-92 to improve to 13-18 on the season. The Bulls are 8-7 at the United Center and just 5-11 on the road. They are once again one of the league's top defensive units holding opponents to just 43 percent shooting on the season and with a defensive rating of 97.9 which is third best in the league.
Atlanta found out last January just how good the Bulls can be defensively in a 97-58 loss. The Hawks scored just five points in the second quarter and their 58 points was the second lowest mark of the shot clock era. This Hawks team is currently just outside the Top 10 in offensive rating at 104.1 so going against the Bull's defense should be a good test.
The Hawks are relatively healthy for the game. Besides Horford they will be without second-year guard John Jenkins who remains out indefinitely with a back injury. DeMarre Carroll returned Friday against the Warriors from a two game absence due to a sprained thumb.
Carlos Boozer is listed as probable with a sore knee after sitting out Friday's practice. He is expected to play against the Hawks. Boozer is out due to that sore knee. Taj Gibson will get the start at power forward in his place.
Game Info
Game date/time: Saturday, January 4, 8 p.m.
Location: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
TV: SportSouth
Radio: 92.9 FM "The Game"
