The Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets have embraced the time off before their next game, with plenty to fix in advance of Friday night’s meeting at Charlotte.
The Hornets have lost three of their last four games, with the most-recent setback coming Sunday in a 115-106 loss to the visiting Denver Nuggets.
“After playing six games in 10 days, it’ll be good for us,” Charlotte coach Charles Lee said.
The Bulls are out to shed a seven-game losing streak and appeared to hit a low with Sunday’s 123-91 home loss to the Golden State Warriors. That marked the first time this season that Chicago failed to score at least 100 points.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan said it’s going to take more determination for the team to get out of this slump.
“Until we love each other enough to dive on the floor for loose balls or box out, where you’re doing it for the guy next to you, this will continue,” Donovan said. “… When they care enough about each other in the locker room, that’s when it will get done.”
The Bulls return to Charlotte for the second time in a two-week stretch. They lost 123-116 to the Hornets on Nov. 28 for their second loss during the current losing streak.
Josh Giddey has been Chicago’s leading scorer in five of the last six games, including a 25-point effort against the Hornets. Giddey is averaging 20.3 points per game.
But it’s not about the statistics that Donovan sees is the most important part of turning around the team’s fortunes.
“It’s the details,” Donovan said. “We’re not gifted enough or good enough to not do that, and we’ve got to stay focused.”
The Hornets have juggled their lineup recently with guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) missing more time. The lack of continuity has caused its problems, even as KJ Simpson has provided strong minutes filling in as the primary ball handler. He is coming off a 16-point game Sunday.
Swingman Brandon Miller said wearing a wrap on his shoulder might be something he keeps for the rest of the season. He’s just glad to be back in the rotation after missing time with an injury.
“It makes sure the arm doesn’t get too far extended, so just having the extra protection is good for me in the long run,” Miller said.
Lee said evaluating injuries would be part of the process leading up to Friday’s game. In the Against the Nuggets, Ball (ankle), Tre Mann (knee), Collin Sexton (quad) and team rebounding leader Moussa Diabate (knee) were all out. It was the first game that Diabate missed this season.
Guard Liam McNeeley was sent back to the Hornets’ G League affiliate in Greensboro this week, though that could be a temporary move.
Miles Bridges leads Charlotte with 21.0 points per game.
“I always preach that Miles is our leader because he’s always consistent, day in and day out,” Simpson said. “Whether in his play or through his voice, he’s always talking.”
