Bulls vs. Spurs Prediction: Preview, Injury Report, Advantages, X-Factors

The Chicago Bulls welcome the San Antonio Spurs to the United Center on Wednesday, November 11, at 8 p.m. ET. The Bulls are 1-8 and are currently 14th in the Eastern Conference after losing seven straight games. Meanwhile, the Spurs are 9-2, second in the Western Conference, and have won nine consecutive games after dropping their first two. The Bulls are coming off a 127-121 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers . Josh Giddey had 19 points and 15 assists, while Matis Buzelis also had 19. They did move the ball well and gave themselves a chance late, but they just couldn’t get enough stops to complete the comeback. The Spurs, meanwhile, beat the Phoenix Suns 122-96 behind 40 points, 11 rebounds, and nine blocks from Victor Wembanyama in just 25 minutes. They have been one of the best teams in the NBA on both ends of the floor, and now they get a Chicago team that ranks last in defensive rating.   Injury Report   Bulls Norman Powell: Questionable (Shoulder) Tobe Awaka: Questionable (Back) Zach Collins: Questionable (Illness)   Spurs Devin Vassell: Questionable (Groin) Tobias Harris: Out (Calf) Jayden Quaintance: Out (Not cleared)   Why the Bulls Have the Advantage? There aren’t a lot of things going in the Bulls’ favor. The Bulls rank 25th in offensive rating at 102.4, 30th in defensive rating at 123.6, and 30th in net rating at -16.2. Their best chance is to get to the free-throw line and get themselves extra shots. The Bulls lead the NBA with 32.3 free-throw attempts per game and rank second with 24.3 makes. They also rank sixth in offensive rebounds at 13.6, fifth in field goal attempts at 90.7, and sixth in three-point attempts at 42.1. Getting to the line would be very valuable against Wemby. If the Bulls can make him move before attacking the paint, they have a better chance of drawing contact or finding a teammate at the rim. Caleb Wilson is averaging 19.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 41.6% from the field and 30.4% from three-point range. Norman Powell averages 19.3 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 39.0% from the field and 34.9% from deep. If Powell can’t go, Martin will have to carry more of the scoring against one of the league’s best defenses. Matas Buzelis is averaging 13.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 43.0% from the field and 29.5% from three-point range. His 19-point performance against the Sixers is something the Bulls can build on. Giddey’s passing can get him chances as a cutter, particularly when the Spurs’ attention shifts toward Martin.   Why the Spurs Have the Advantage? The Spurs rank sixth in offensive rating at 118.4, fourth in defensive rating at 106.7, and second in net rating at +11.6. They score 118.7 points per game, fourth in the league, and make 42.1 field goals on 91.1 attempts. They are also tied for the fewest turnovers and lead the league with 7.4 blocks per game. That combination is especially tough on a Bulls team that needs extra possessions just to stay competitive. Wembanyama is averaging 30.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks while shooting 52.9% from the field and 32.3% from three-point range. The Bulls have to decide how much help they can send when he gets the ball. Leaving him one-on-one will be a difficult task, but doubling him gives the Spurs guards room to attack against a defense that is already struggling. Dylan Harper is averaging 18.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while shooting 51.0% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. Stephon Castle adds 14.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, shooting 39.5% overall and 32.4% from three. Both can get downhill, and Castle’s passing gives the Spurs yet another way to find Wembanyama near the basket. The Bulls will have to defend these drives without giving up easy finishes behind them.   X-Factors Jalen Smith is averaging 11.7 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 48.4% from the field and 29.5% from three. His biggest contribution could come on the offensive end, especially during Wembanyama’s minutes on the bench. Tre Jones adds 10.3 points and 2.9 assists, shooting 49.2% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. Josh Giddey is averaging 10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 8.4 assists while shooting 41.7% from the field and 28.1% from three-point range.  After dishing out 15 assists against the Sixers, he’s the player who’s most likely to keep the Bulls’ offense moving if Powell sits. The Bulls will need him to push the pace after they get stops, before Wembanyama has time to get back and set up in the paint. De’Aaron Fox is averaging 13.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists for the Spurs while shooting 53.2% from the field and 36.1% from three-point range. His speed will punish the Bulls if they send too many players to the offensive glass. Devin Vassell averages 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while shooting 41.6% from the field and 35.6% from deep. If he sits again, Julian Champagnie, who averages 10.1 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 43.1% from the field, will be a suitable replacement on the wing for the Spurs.   Prediction The Spurs should win this very comfortably. The Bulls could hang on if Giddey gets the offense moving early and they turn missed shots into second chances. The problem is sustaining that over four quarters. The Spurs protect the ball well, have several guards who can get into the paint, and have Wembanyama waiting at the rim when Chicago tries to get to the basket. Even a good shooting night from the Bulls may only delay the run that might put this game away. I expect the Spurs to take control by the second quarter and win their 10th straight game comfortably. Prediction: Bulls vs. Spurs 124-104