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Wizards vs Bulls preview: Washington attempts to start a new streak in Chicago

By Quinten Rosborough
NBA: Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Game Info

When: Wednesday, December 21st at 8 p.m. ET
Where: United Center in Chicago, IL
TV: CSN Mid-Atlantic
Radio: 1500 AM and Wizards Radio App

Injury Report

Wizards: Ian Mahinmi (Out, Knee), Danuel House (Out, Wrist)
Bulls: Michael Carter-Williams (Out, Knee)

What to Watch For

Can the Wizards keep the Bulls off the Offensive Glass?

The Chicago Bulls are one of the league’s best rebounding teams thus far this season. They’re first in offensive rebounds per game at 13.2, and are second in total rebounds per game at 48. Strangely enough, the Bulls don’t have a single player averaging double digit rebounds, but Brook Lopez, Taj Gibson, Jimmy Butler, and Rajon Rondo each average over 6 rebounds per game. The Wizards are going to have their hands full keeping this team off the offensive glass, which could limit the team’s ability to push the ball in transition.

Markieff Morris vs Taj Gibson

The Bulls’ longest tenured player and perpetual trade rumor subject is having another great year for Chicago. The 31 year old power forward is averaging 13 points per game on 58 percent shooting over his last five games, and will be looking to keep up his hot shooting after going perfect from the field against Detroit on Monday. Chief Kieff did a great job in one-on-one situations against Blake Griffin over the weekend, and will need a similar performance against Taj to help the Wizards secure the win.

Most Likely Wizard Killer: Doug McDermott

NBA: Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

After emerging as a legit bench scorer in the second half of the 2015-16 season, Shooty McNickname has struggled since returning from his second concussion of the season. He’s back in the rotation now, and while the jumper isn’t falling yet (he’s averaging only 27.3 percent from deep in the last five games), he’s feasted on the Wizards in the past (he averaged 14.3 points per game last year with a 73.1 percent true shooting percentage). Washington’s bench has to know where he is at all times, or this might end up being a long night.