OKC vs CHI Dream11 Team Prediction, Fantasy NBA Tips

Match Previews:

NBA 2021-22 will see OKC facing off against Chicago Sky on Tuesday, 25 January 2022 at 06:30 AM IST

The Windy City outfit suffered one of their worst defeats of the season at the hands of the youthful Orlando Magic team. Without Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso, the Chicago Bulls could just not get going against the relentless energy of the home team.

DeMar DeRozan was prolific yet again with 41 points but he’s going to need more help. They have now lost their last five games away from United Center.

The OKC Thunder is in an even worse situation than the Chicago Bulls. The Thunder have lost five straight games, including 10 of their 11 games. Their defense, which has been mostly solid this season, has regressed. The defense has ranked second-worst in the NBA in that span.

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls badly need a few reinforcements. Zach LaVine, who has now missed five straight games, was originally listed as questionable before the game against the Magic. However, the Bulls have since confirmed he might feature. His potential return against the OKC Thunder will be great news for the struggling team.

Nikola Vucevic finished with a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, but took 19 shots to get the result. He was 4-19 from the field and was outplayed by Magic youngsters Wendell Carter Jr. and Moe Wagner. Without a few of their best players, the Chicago Bulls will need more from their star big man.

Key Player - DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan has greatly deserved and then some of the $26 million that the Chicago Bulls are paying him this season. When available, no one on the team has been as consistent and as valuable. He has also made the Bulls one of the most difficult teams to beat in close-game situations because of DeRozan’s big-game abilities.

In the last five games since Zach LaVine went down with an injury and Lonzo Ball set for surgery, the four-time All-Star has been even better. With consistent double-teaming from opponents, he has risen to the occasion with averages of 30.6 points, 5.0 assists and 4.2 rebounds.

OKC Thunder

The OKC Thunder offense has not gained traction for much of the season. They have consistently ranked as one of the worst in offensive rating. It has been their defense that has allowed them to be competitive and even caused a few upsets. With the offense remaining inept and the defense now joining it in misery, things have looked ugly in Oklahoma City basketball.

On nights when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the lone player hitting his stride, the OKC Thunder is almost unwatchable. Josh Giddey, who has been terrific this season, has struggled of late. Ditto for Lu Dort. If they are unable to provide support, the front office can only take consolation that their development will be an even more important gain than wins.

Key Player - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the OKC Thunder’s lone bright spot in the last 11 games. He is averaging 23 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds. Given how regularly the Thunder muddle up their offensive plays, it’s almost unbelievable the 23-year-old combo guard is still putting up his numbers.