Three things to watch for in the Hawks vs Bulls game

The Hawks return to Summer League action today, taking on the Chicago Bulls at 6:00 PM ET. The Bulls are 1-2 so far in Las Vegas and have fielded a decent team in Summer League. However, the real story has been the performance of their first-round draft pick, Matas Buzelis. The matchup between Buzelis and Risacher (injuries permitting) should be one of the best of the afternoon as the Hawks look for their first win in Las Vegas.

As a reminder, here’s how to watch tonight’s game.

Start time: 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: Cox Pavilion and Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV

Where to watch: NBATV

Even before kickoff, the Hawks are likely to play this game shorthanded. Zaccharie Risacher and Dylan Windler are both doubtful to play tonight, but Kobe Bufkin and Nikola Durisic have already been ruled out. To be on the safe side, it wouldn’t be surprising if Risacher were ruled out. Mo Gueye is also doubtful for tonight’s game, which leaves Atlanta particularly thin at forward.

Despite the roster being depleted by injuries, I think there are a few interesting things to watch for in tonight’s game. Here are three of the most important:

Is Miles Norris continuing to capitalize on his opportunities?

If Risacher, Windler and Gueye are all out, Norris should get more playing time. After not playing at all against San Antonio, he nearly had a double-double with 9 points and 8 rebounds. He also shot well from three-point range and looked very comfortable on defense. He’s a 6-foot-10 wing who’s 24 years old – his age and size allow him to make a big impact against a young Bulls team if he gets more playing time.

As a primary backup wing, he could be a big factor in keeping the offense on schedule while it is missing so many of its key players. I think the Hawks could play Moses Wood in his place since Wood had a good game (10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 of 6 from three-point range) and is the best shooter. Whether in relief or starting, expect Norris to get plenty of opportunities tonight.

Can EJ Liddell bounce back against Chicago?

One matchup that I am particularly interested in is the one between Liddell and Buzelis. Buzelis has had a good run in Summer League so far, adjusting well to NBA-level physicality and speed. He is averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. While he lacks efficiency, he gets to the line seven times per game and plays with relentless energy. Liddell’s strength and speed could pose some problems for Buzelis, as the Bulls rookie is only 19 years old.

Additionally, the Hawks could use a repeat of Liddell’s heroics against San Antonio. Against the Spurs, he scored 22 points on 43 percent shooting and a game-high 10 free throws, along with two 3-pointers. Things didn’t go as well against Los Angeles, where he scored just four points on 1-of-6 shooting. If he can get things going like he did in the second quarter of the Spurs game, he can probably keep that effort going throughout the game. It’s just a matter of making the shots fall.

How do the Hawks slow down Chicago’s other scoring options?

On paper, Chicago doesn’t look like a team worth respecting from three-point range. Outside of Buzelis, backup Javonte Smart and starting point guard DJ Steward, the Bulls rarely score from three-point range. As a team, they have yet to shoot over 30 percent from three-point range. The Hawks could be a bit more exploitable on the perimeter without Risacher and Windler, but I think the Hawks’ defense should be able to limit the three-pointers.

The real test will be the interior defense. Buzelis’ physicality makes him a tough opponent, but the Hawks should also respect what big Adama Senogo can bring to the offense. His ability to finish plays around the basket and get second-chance points will be a test for Hawks center Rob Baker II. He also runs hard in transition and looks like someone who can make an impact for Chicago in the regular season.

Based on the last three games, the Hawks should have confidence in Keaton Wallace and Jarkel Joiner to shut down Chicago’s guards and force Buzelis to be the primary offensive initiator again. Both have played excellent perimeter defense so far, with Joiner particularly outstanding on that end of the floor. If they can do that and Liddell holds up against Buzelis, they should be able to handle Chicago’s offense and stay in this game despite lacking significant offensive power.