The No.9 seed Chicago Bulls will take on the No.10 seed Atlanta Hawks in the 2024 NBA Play-In.
Both teams are coming off of subpar below .500 seasons. But still with Wednesday's game, both teams have a chance to extend their season, as they are facing a crucial moment that could mark the end with a loss. The stakes are high, adding to the intensity of the matchup.
The winner would advance to take on the loser between the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, as the loser will be sent home.
Can the Chicago Bulls ground the soaring Atlanta Hawks, or will the Hawks be stopping the Bulls' charge in the Windy City?
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NBA Play-In: Bulls vs. Hawks
Date: Wednesday, April 17th
Time: 9:30 PM
Network: ESPN
Location: United Center
Both teams are entering Wednesday's matchup pretty banged up.
The Chicago Bulls, who started the season shaky, going 5-14, quickly turned it around despite several injuries to vital rotational players like Zach LaVine (right foot) and Patrick Williams (left foot).
The Bulls will likely also be without Ayo Dosunmu (bruised quad) and big man Andre Drummond (sprained left ankle).
While the Hawks, who finished the season with a modest 36-46 record, have dealt with their own injury issues this season as well. Trae Young has missed several games after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left hand finger.
Atlanta Hawks rising stars Jalen Johnson (Knee) and Onyeka Okongwu (toe) will also be missing Wednesday's game.
Still, anything could happen with both teams in desperation mode, looking to keep their seasons' alive.
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2024 NBA Play-In: Chicago Bulls Backcourt
Coby White has come into his own this season as a scorer and is the leader for the Most Improved Player Award, while DeMar DeRozan remained consistent with another solid year.
DeMar DeRozan torched the Hawks last season, averaging 26.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in his last five games against Atlanta.
Coby White has had some big games too, dropping 20 and 21 points in their last matchups.
How the Hawks approach these two players defensively is essential.
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2024 NBA Play-In: Play-In Trae Young
A strong performance from the Atlanta Hawks' dynamic point guard Trae Young will give them their best chance of stealing the win.
Young has missed 23 games so far this season but despite the injury he has had another All-Star year, posting 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game.
Last season in the NBA Play-In, Trae Young averaged a colossal 31.0 points and 10.0 assists per game, helping the Hawks clinch the seventh seed.
Young has torched the Bulls throughout his career posting 24.6 points, 9.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in their matchups. If the Chicago Bulls want any hope of winning, neutralizing Trae Young should be their number one priority.
Bulls backup point guard Alex Caruso has done a solid job on Young defensively in games played between the Hawks and Bulls during the regular season, keeping Trae's shooting under 40%. Caruso would likely get the Trae Young assignment in this all-important NBA Play-In game.
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2024 NBA Play-In: Final Verdict
The Atlanta Hawks' experience in the NBA Play-In should elevate them past the limping Chicago Bulls.
The Hawks have played in the last three, going 3-0 during the Trae Young era, as Young has proven to be clutch in moments like these.
Our Winner: Atlanta Hawks through Trae Young's performance.
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