The last time the Nets faced the Bulls, Brooklyn was without Kyrie Irving and Caris LeVert. It was Brooklyn’s first game without both guards, though LeVert had missed the two games prior, as well. Yet the Nets won in Chicago 117-111.
Of course, the Nets have Irving back with Chicago coming to town on Friday. Same goes for LeVert, but he hasn’t found his stride.
In fact, the only member of the Nets who can’t play due to injury at the moment is Kevin Durant — a very rare occurrence this year. Meanwhile, the Bulls are without Lauri Markkanen for a while (pelvis injury, 4-6 weeks).
As much as they won a nail-biter over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday and Chicago is one spot behind the Nets in the standings, this is a game the Nets should be able to win comfortably — for the simple reason Irving is back and playing well, and impacting guys, like Taurean Prince, in a positive manner.
Add Irving’s play of late to the fact he and Spencer Dinwiddie weren’t named All-Stars this year, and the Bulls could be in for a long night. Zach LaVine was snubbed, too, but giving Irving a little extra juice alone will be too much for Chicago.
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