An inter-conference battle will take place at the Chesapeake Energy Arena this Christmas Day as the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Chicago Bulls.
After a Thursday loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers last week, the Thunder went on a roll and defeated the teams from Los Angeles to build a three-game winning streak.
In its most recent win, Oklahoma City again crushed the hapless Los Angeles Lakers for the second time in less than a week to take a 120–85 win at the Staples Center Wednesday.
Again leading the charge for Oklahoma City was the duo of All-Star guard Russell Westbrook and former Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kevin Durant.
Westbrook recorded 23 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. Meanwhile, Durant had 21 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three rejections.
Strong Sixth Man of the Year candidate center Enes Kanter also played big for the Thunder as he recorded a double-double 16 points with 11 rebounds, also having two blocks.
The Thunder continue to surge in the Western Conference standings and are third with a 20–9 record.
Meanwhile, the Bulls will have to address their chemistry issues if they want to end a three-game losing slump against the Thunder.
The Bulls have had issues recently with guard Jimmy Butler criticizing head coach Fred Hoiberg's coaching style.
Butler said Hoiberg should be coaching them harder and must assure everyone is doing their job.
Chicago will also miss the services of longtime center Joakim Noah who is out for two to four weeks with an injured shoulder.
Because of their current struggles, the Bulls slipped to the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 15–11 record, although they are just four games behind the top spot currently held by the Cleveland Cavaliers (19–7).
The collision between the Thunder and Bulls will be today, Dec. 25, at 2:30 p.m. EST. To watch via live stream, click here.
