Ahead of this weekend’s NBA Primetime Games, which see the Chicago Bulls host the Brooklyn Nets for NBA Saturdays we give you game preview with some interesting facts and reasons to watch the game.
Brooklyn Nets @ Chicago Bulls – Saturday, Nov. 16
REASONS TO WATCH
• Kyrie Irving is one of the league’s supreme offensive players, capable of taking over games for long stretches. Irving balances his high-volume style by shooting a high percentage from the field.
• The returning core surrounding Irving features NBA G League alums Spencer Dinwiddie and Joe Harris and draft gems Caris LeVert (20th pick in 2016) and Jarrett Allen (22nd pick in 2017). The Nets’ player development has been on point.
• Zach LaVine is a two-time NBA Slam Dunk champion who has steadily evolved into one of more polished shooting guards in the league. He is a threat to score from all over the floor and his passing and defense have improved under Bulls head coach Jim Boylen.
• The Bulls are pinning their future in large part on the last three No. 7 overall picks in the NBA Draft: Lauri Markkanen (2017), Wendell Carter Jr. (2018) and Coby White (2019).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
• Caris LeVert, Nets: LeVert was emerging as a breakout star last season before a foot injury sidelined him for three months. He’s healthy and playing with confidence.
• Joe Harris, Nets: Harris, who played for the U.S. Team in the FIBA Basketball World Cup this summer, is one the league’s premier three-point shooters.
• Wendell Carter Jr., Bulls: Carter Jr. is Chicago’s defensive anchor in the middle. What he lacks in height he makes up for with length and smarts.
• Tomas Satoransky, Bulls: Satoransky (Czech Republic) is starting for the Bulls after backing up John Wall for the bulk of his three seasons with the Wizards.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Chicago’s Wendell Carter Jr. and Brooklyn’s Spencer Dinwiddie both strongly considered attending Harvard before playing at Duke and Colorado, respectively.
• Dinwiddie was waived by the Bulls and playing for the Windy City Bulls when the Nets signed him in December 2016.
• As a kid growing up in New Jersey, Kyrie Irving dreamed of one day playing for his hometown team. The Nets moved to Brooklyn in 2012.
• Nets GM Sean Marks and Bulls head coach Jim Boylen were on the same coaching staff for one season in San Antonio (2013-14) as assistant coaches.
• Chicago’s Coby White is the all-time leading scorer in North Carolina state high school history.
