There are solely two weeks left within the common season. The playoff contenders are utilizing the ultimate stretch to jockey for place and safe dwelling courtroom, whereas the league’s backside dwellers shut issues down and look to enhance their lottery odds. Monday night time’s contest between the San Antonio Spurs and the Chicago Bulls might be a matchup between groups in every of these classes.
The Bulls have formally been eradicated from playoff rivalry and are coping with a number of accidents. They’ll be with out massive males Zach Collins and Jalen Smith, and ball-handlers Jaden Ivey and Anfernee Simons in opposition to the Spurs. Chicago continues to be feisty, although. They’ve strong younger gamers like Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis.
San Antonio is aware of the Bulls’ spoiler means all too effectively. It took a 32-19 fourth quarter for the Spurs to safe a 121-117 win in opposition to Chicago earlier this season. San Antonio’s eight-game profitable streak has been outlined by blowouts began by early leads. The Spurs will want an excellent begin to bury the Bulls as they appear to realize floor on the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder for the highest seed within the Western Convention.
March thirtieth, 2026 | 7 PM CT
Watch: Peacock | Hear: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Harrison Ingram – Out (G League), David Jones Garcia – Out (G League), Emanuel Miller – Out (G League)
Bulls Accidents: Zach Collins – Out (toe), Noa Essengue – Out (shoulder), Jaden Ivey – Out (knee), Mac McClung – Out (G League), Nick Richards – Questionable (elbow), Anfernee Simons – Out (hand), Jalen Smith – Out (calf), Guerschon Yabusele – Questionable (ankle)
If there’s one factor Chicago has, it’s a plethora of guards who can deal with the rock. Giddey is among the league’s finest level forwards, Colin Sexton has added a essential veteran presence, Rob Dillingham has proven flashes, and Spurs followers might be accustomed to the sport of Tre Jones. With all of their ball handlers, the Bulls match up with the Spurs surprisingly effectively on the perimeter. Chicago’s finest guess to cope with the Spurs is to make the most of all its ball handlers to shift the protection and create straightforward seems to be.
With Nick Richards listed as questionable for Monday night time’s recreation, the Bulls’ tallest participant may very well be 6-10 ahead Leonard Miller. In case you forgot, the Spurs have a reasonably gifted 7-foot-4 massive man named Victor Wembanyama. San Antonio ought to dominate the paint in opposition to the smaller Bulls. As Wembanyama chases the MVP, the Spurs might force-feed the massive man inside for straightforward buckets in opposition to a weaker Chicago entrance line.
Stephon Fort had his fourth triple-double of the season within the staff’s final win in opposition to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Sophomore has been enjoying some incredible basketball down the stretch, averaging 16.6 factors, 7.7 assists, and 5.2 rebounds whereas capturing 48.8% from the sector and 40% from three. He’ll have the chance to go off once more in opposition to the Bulls, who hand over the third-most factors per recreation within the NBA.
