The Golden State Warriors are set to cap off their three-game Eastern Conference road trip with a crucial inter-conference clash against the Chicago Bulls this Sunday. This marks the first meeting between the two franchises this season. The Warriors will be looking to finish their travels on a high note, while the Bulls aim to salvage the finale of their own three-game homestand at the United Center.
Where and When to Watch Warriors vs Bulls in India
For basketball fans in India, the game is scheduled for an early Monday morning tip-off. The action begins at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Sunday, which translates to 5:30 a.m. IST on Monday. The primary broadcast will be on NBC Sports Bay Area in the US. Indian viewers can catch the live action via the NBA League Pass international streaming service. Additionally, the game will be available on the Fubo platform for eligible subscribers.
Team Form and Injury Concerns Ahead of Tip-Off
The Chicago Bulls, with a record of 9 wins and 13 losses, are in desperate need of a victory to halt a demoralising six-game losing streak. This slump is a stark contrast to their promising 5-0 start to the campaign and includes surprising losses to some of the league's struggling teams.
The Golden State Warriors have also faced challenges, posting a 3-6 record over their last nine outings. A significant factor has been the absence of their superstar, Stephen Curry, who is out with a quadriceps injury and hasn't played since November 26. In the four games without him, the team has managed a 2-2 record, suffering narrow defeats to strong opponents.
Expected Starting Lineups
Chicago Bulls:
Point Guard: Josh Giddey
Shooting Guard: Coby White
Small Forward: Julian Phillips
Power Forward: Matas Buzelis
Center: Nikola Vucevic
Golden State Warriors:
Point Guard: Pat Spencer
Shooting Guard: Will Richard
Small Forward: Buddy Hield
Power Forward: Jonathan Kuminga
Center: Quinten Post
Detailed Injury Report for Both Sides
The injury list is lengthy for both squads, which will heavily influence the game's dynamics.
Chicago Bulls: Zach Collins (wrist), Patrick Williams (left wrist sprain), Dalen Terry (left calf strain), Tre Jones (ankle), Ayo Dosunmu (thumb), and Coby White (calf) are all listed as day-to-day. Jalen Smith (hamstring), Isaac Okoro (back), Kevin Huerter (hamstring), and Noa Essengue (left shoulder surgery) are out.
Golden State Warriors: The team is dealing with several key absences. Stephen Curry (quadriceps) is out, alongside Draymond Green (foot), Jimmy Butler III (knee), Al Horford (back), and Alex Toohey (knee). Seth Curry (toe) is considered day-to-day.
Game Prediction and Stakes
This matchup pits two teams searching for consistency. The Bulls are reeling and must defend their home court to stop the slide. The Warriors, hovering around a .500 record and in the Western Conference Play-In tournament mix, need to find a way to win on the road without their primary scorer, Curry. The game will likely be a gritty, defensive battle given the offensive firepower sidelined. The team that can execute better under pressure and get contributions from role players will emerge victorious in this Sunday night showdown.
