NBA Matchups: December 30

CHI @ CHA | NYK @ WAS | LAC @ NOP | DEN @ UTA | CLE @ GSW | PHI @ POR | DAL @ SAC

Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Hornets

Team Totals: Bulls 115.3, Hornets 110.3

Injury Report: Ayo Dosunmu (D, calf), Josh Giddey (P, ankle), Zach LaVine (P, toe), Jalen Smith (Q, ankle)

Bulls projected starters: Josh Giddey, Coby White, Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, Nikola Vucevic

Hornets projected starters: Vasa Micic, Seth Curry, Josh Green, Miles Bridges, Mark Williams

Donovan quotes: Said he liked the defense from LaVine on Dame and Giddey on Middleton, said he liked the shot quality against the Bucks, said he’s seen growth from Giddey on defense, said Giddey enjoys watching film and he’s “getting better and better” on defense, said their paint touches are a big reason why they get so many 3-pointers, said Giddey, Lonzo, and PAW were all on minutes limits, said he thought he played Vooch too much.

Lee quotes: Said he liked how they rotated on defense despite giving SGA so much attention, said the “nicks and bruises” from the last game were not good enough to put LaMelo and Miller on the court, said they will have some conversations about trades (obviously was asked a question about it).

Stats and Notes: 

*The Bulls continue their ways of horrific rim defense, as they give it up more than anyone in the league. The Hornets do not generate much inside and are just 20th in rim frequency this year, so they may not be able to capitalize on it. The Hornets maintain their slower pace this season and are just 26th in offensive pace. On the other hand, the Bulls continue to run it up with the second-fastest offense in the league. The Hornets also really give it up inside these days and that hasn’t changed too much since Mark Williams has been in the starting lineup. This should be a rim-scoring fest.

Great matchups: Nikola Vucevic, Mark Williams, Coby White

Good matchups: Zach LaVine, Josh Giddey

Bad matchups: Nobody

New York Knicks at Washington Wizards