NBA

Nets vs Bulls preview: Friday night in Brooklyn

ballervisions 2026年1月17日

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 02: Matas Buzelis #14 of the Chicago Bulls drives the ball during the second period against the Orlando Magic at the United Center on January 2, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTICE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this image, User agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)

Nothing is done in the win column. The Brooklyn Nets travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans on Wednesday night to finish their three-game road trip. It was close, but the Nets ended up being denied three points. IL was five in a row.

Tonight’s opponent hangs in the playing field. The Chicago Bulls are in 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings and look like they have another playoff date this year. They helped their cause with a last second win against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.

Where can you follow the game

YES Network on TV. Gotham Sports on the air. WFAN on the radio. Tip after 7:30 PM.

Injury

No Ziaire Williams (illness) or Haywood Highsmith (surgery recovery). Ben Saraf lives on Long Island as does the two-way EJ Liddell.

The following players have left the Bulls:

Kevin Huerter is probable and Julian Phillips is doubtful.

The game

Brooklyn won the first meeting in December.

This is a home and home set. These teams will do it again Sunday night in Chicago.

Brooklyn will see an old foe in the center tonight. Nikola Vucevic has given the Nets trouble all year, but he shot 6-18 from the field in the first game back in December. For Nic Claxton and the Nets bigs, they will look to make things difficult for Vuc in the paint and force him to be tough jumpers. If they can do that, they will make things very difficult for Billy Donovan’s team.

The Nets have been struggling with turnovers this season as they are ranked 29th in turnover rate. Fortunately for them, the Bulls don’t force too many turnovers as they rank 29th in turnover rate. Every coach emphasizes the importance of making the most of everything, and it’s something Jordi Fernandez will emphasize tonight.

If Brooklyn succeeds, they can make a living inside. The Bulls are allowing 31 shots per game inside the restricted area, the most in the NBA this season. Cup driving opens up a lot of opportunities, and for someone like Cam Thomas in particular, it can get him back on track. It’s been tough since Thomas came back from the hamstring injury and getting to the cup is when he’s at his strongest.

Player to watch: Matas Buzeli

For the Bulls, they must find a way forward. That means identifying players who can help them get back to the playoffs and not just their annual appearances. They have a long way to go, but they have someone to look up to. From Drew Stevens of They are big

“Buzelis is learning the trick of a team built on shared responsibility. Flag is the perfect Dallas system, creating opportunities even if the result is not good. Mistakes come with responsibility – and that’s the point.

But the bullpen system allows Buzelis to translate the lessons into consistent growth and production.

The past six games have shown what the 21-year-old can do with more commitment, scoring relentlessly, making smart reads and producing in the paint while stretching the floor when opportunities arise. Quiet but reliable growth.”

You have to start somewhere.

The votes are in, and Michael Porter Jr. is hoping he’s done enough to earn his first All-Star nomination. UMPJ has done everything that has been asked of him this season and then some. Porter Jr. led the Bulls to 33 points for the first time, and will look to see if he can do another good job. He went 4-5 at the rim in that game, and if the Nets can get him good looks on the mound, MPJ will use him a lot.