clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Preview: Hawks square off with Bulls in search of back-to-back sweep

Back in action in a hurry.

Atlanta Hawks v Chicago Bulls Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images

After a four-day break, the Atlanta Hawks returned to action on Tuesday evening and the on-court results were strong. Trae Young exploded in the second half to lead the team to a skid-busting victory and, while the suspension of John Collins looms over the next several weeks for the franchise, Atlanta’s play on the court has been encouraging to this point in the campaign. On Wednesday, the Hawks face a quick turnaround on the second night of a back-to-back, as Lloyd Pierce’s team will play host to the Chicago Bulls at State Farm Arena.

There are a number of story lines in the mix for Wednesday’s tilt, including the ongoing deployment of Atlanta’s rotation in Collins’ absence. Jabari Parker has played at a high level in the early going and, in facing one of his former teams, there will be a bit of extra attention on the talented forward in this spot. Behind him, the Hawks utilized Vince Carter as the primary backup power forward on Tuesday and, though there are other options (De’Andre Hunter, Evan Turner, etc.) in the future, that seems to be the most likely approach for now.

From an injury standpoint, there are no great surprises for the Hawks. Cam Reddish (shoulder soreness) is listed as probable but, aside from that, things are clean, with Young omitted from the injury report entirely. Atlanta will be without Evan Turner (Achilles) in addition to Collins, Allen Crabbe and Chandler Parsons.

The Bulls project to be healthy in this spot, at least as of the time of this post. However, Chicago is also on a back-to-back after playing on Tuesday and, unlike Atlanta, the Bulls had to travel after their last game. The visitors are struggling mightily in the early going, posting a 2-6 record, and while that seems to be an advantage for Atlanta, the Bulls could play with a bit of added desperation.

At present, the Hawks are two-point home favorites over the Bulls, which is noteworthy in the absence of Collins. Atlanta has been the better team this season, though, and the friendly confines of State Farm Arena help to provide an optimistic bent to the proceedings on Wednesday.

Stay tuned throughout the day and be encouraged to utilize the comments below as a “game thread” for the action.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7:30 pm ET

Location: State Farm Arena

TV: Fox Sports Southeast, NBA League Pass

Radio: 92.9 The Game (Atlanta); Hawks Radio Network

Streaming: Fox Sports Go, NBA League Pass