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Charlotte Hornets Look to Bounce Back Against the Chicago Bulls

By Jerry Stephens

Dec 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) argues with Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (not pictured) while center Cody Zeller (40) tries to separate them in the fourth quarter at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Bulls 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) argues with Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (not pictured) while center Cody Zeller (40) tries to separate them in the fourth quarter at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Bulls 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets look for their first win of the new year as they travel to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bulls for the second time this season.

The Charlotte Hornets (19-15) are set to take on the Chicago Bulls (16-18) as they look to get back in the win column after a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Steve Clifford’s side will hit the road in this one game away from home before returning back to Charlotte. The Hornets are 3-2 in their last five but after a four-game losing streak in mid-December, they turned things around and went 5-2 to end the year.

This will be Charlotte’s first game of 2017 as they look to ring in the new year with a victory. This matchup could have some fireworks as the last time these two sides met, a scuffle broke out near the end of the game that led to a Robin Lopez ejection followed by the ejection of Taj Gibson. We’ll see if there is any bad blood or animosity in this one after that heated moment last time out.

Chicago’s coming off of a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on New Year’s Eve and this will also be their first game of the new year. They have lost their last two matches and five of their last seven in total. They have lost three straight regular season games to the Hornets dating back to last season as Charlotte has owned the matchup as of late.

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Charlotte Hornets @ Chicago Bulls

8:00 p.m. EST, January 2nd, 2016

United Center

Broadcast on NBA TV

Injury Report:

CHA:

TBD

CHI:

NONE

Biggest Story:

Defending the Three-Point Line

The Bulls are the worst three-point shooting team in the league this season, hitting only 30.7% from behind the arc. While the Hornets have become known for great perimeter defense under Steve Clifford, they have been less than stellar in that aspect so far this year. Charlotte must not allow Chicago to light them up from deep.

They are not a good shooting team so the Hornets must not let them play out of their element and have a three-point shooting revelation. Hold them to their season average and things should go in the favor of the visiting side. Don’t let Fred Hoiberg‘s team find money from outside.

Matchup to Watch:

Kemba Walker vs Whoever Will Start at PG for the Bulls

Kemba Walker is playing like an all-star for the Charlotte Hornets. After a 37-point game in his last outing, he will look to do more of the same against the Bulls. The biggest question is, who will be defending him?

Next: Why We Must Vote for Kemba, Hornets and Big Crowds

Chicago made a change last time out as they benched Rajon Rondo in favor of Michael Carter-Williams. Rondo didn’t play in their last game and might not see any action in this one either. Their point guard position is up in the air and it will be interesting to see how it plays out against Kemba and the Hornets.

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