Hornets vs. Bulls Summer League Preview
After winning consecutive Summer League games for the first time since 2018, the Charlotte Hornets will look to continue the positive momentum in tonight’s matchup against the Chicago Bulls. With less than 24 hours between games, Charlotte will need to come into this matchup focused and ready to continue playing their best basketball.
WHO: Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls
WHEN: 6:00 p.m. EST
WHERE: Thomas & Mack Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
WATCH: ESPN2
Charlotte and Chicago enter this matchup with identical records at 2-1, and both have taken a similar path to get there. Both have suffered a double-digit loss, both have won a close game that required overtime, and both won their most recent game by double-digits. With tonight being the penultimate Summer League matchup for both teams, both the Hornets and the Bulls will be looking to continue their respective strong play.
Chicago’s Dalen Terry, the 18th pick in this year’s draft, will be a name to look out for in this matchup. After a difficult opener in which he scored just nine points while registering six fouls, Terry has increased his scoring output with each subsequent game. Turnovers have been an issue for Terry, as he has registered 16 through three games. He has also shot just 20% from three-point range. However, he has proven effective at getting to the rim and getting to the foul line, as he has led Chicago in free throw attempts in each of the past two games.
Third-year big man Marko Simonovic has set the benchmark for points in a game for Chicago thus far, with a 27 point outing in the opening matchup. Simonovic also registered 13 rebounds and three blocks across 30 minutes of action in the win against the Dallas Mavericks. Simonovic is a veteran by Summer League standards and has played fewer minutes in each successive game as Chicago looks to give their less experienced players some minutes.
Second-year point guard Carlik Jones led the way for the Bulls in their most recent outing, posting team highs of 17 points and five assists on 100% shooting with a plus-minus of +22. Jones, who was named to the All-NBA G League third team a season ago, has led Chicago in total assists (16) and assists per game (5.3) thus far.
Also on the Bulls’ roster is local product Sindarius Thornwell, who began his high school career less than an hour’s drive from Charlotte in nearby Lancaster, South Carolina. After stints with the Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Orlando Magic, Thornwell will hope to latch on with an NBA team after playing last season in Germany.
Charlotte is looking to continue their game-by-game improvement
Wednesday’s victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers was Charlotte’s best performance so far in Summer League. The Hornets have made clear improvements and have gotten better with each game, a trend that they will aim to continue in tonight’s matchup. With no undefeated teams remaining and 17 teams having a 2-1 record, Charlotte could still qualify for the Summer League championship game on Sunday afternoon and will need to win this matchup to keep those hopes alive.