Halftime Heroes
Chicago caught fire from three. Can the Spurs answer with an 8–0 run?
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Chicago’s surprise lead
The Bulls led 70–56 at halftime despite entering the game 1–8 against a 9–2 Spurs team. Jalen Smith had 17 before the break, and his outside shooting alongside Matas Buzelis stretched San Antonio’s defense. If the Spurs close harder on those shooters, the next read is whether Buzelis can turn those closeouts into drives and whether Caleb Wilson gets more touches inside.
How San Antonio can make it interesting
An 8–0 Spurs run would take Chicago’s lead from 14 to six. Watch for Victor Wembanyama to finish defensive possessions with rebounds and for San Antonio to get downhill before Chicago sets its defense. De’Aaron Fox looked a little hobbled going into halftime. A minutes cap was unconfirmed, so I’m watching his first third-quarter stint. If Fox’s run is short, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper are the players I’m watching to initiate the offense.
My halftime shortlist
Chicago +6.5. The halftime lead gives this leg room to absorb a Spurs run. Even an immediate 8–0 burst leaves Chicago ahead by six. The spread covers if the Bulls win or lose by six or fewer.
Wembanyama 8+ rebounds and 29+ points. He entered the matchup averaging 11.9 rebounds and 30.1 points. The rebound line sits farther below his season average. A tighter game could also keep him on the floor for more scoring chances. His 2+ threes leg overlaps with his points leg.
Buzelis 20+ points before either Bulls 4+ threes leg. Buzelis scored 19 with three made threes on seven attempts against Philadelphia on Nov. 8. Smith made two on five attempts in that game. Their first-half shooting makes the fourth three worth tracking, but continued attempts matter. The 20-point leg also has a path through drives and free throws.
Rotation-dependent legs. Claxton 12+ points needs enough floor time for rolls and putbacks. Patrick Williams 4+ rebounds depends on his minutes and where he’s stationed defensively. For Champagnie 3+ threes, watch whether Wembanyama draws help that opens catch-and-shoot looks.
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