The Chicago Bulls play host to the Charlotte Hornets at United Center on Monday,

The Hornets (13-9) come into this matchup winning eight of their last 10 games, despite suffering a tough loss against the Houston Rockets in their most recent outing. That was a 146-143 shootout on Friday night, taking an overtime session to determine a winner. That ugly 146 points show what the issue is with this club, ranked 29th in total defense. It's strange to see such a lousy defense go on such a big hot streak, but it's a good indicator of how good this young core can be. LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier have been brilliant in the backcourt, while Gordon Hayward has been his usual self at the wing. As long as these players keep developing, it will be a team no one wants to face in the coming future.

The Bulls (13-8) have hit a bit of a rough patch, entering this matchup losing three of their last four games. Their only victory was a win over a disastrous Orlando Magic team, and it's embarrassing that they lost to a one-win Houston Rockets team in the game prior. What makes the recent run even more bizarre is the fact that Nikola Vuevic returned from the COVID list at the beginning of it. He's had a hard time finding his footing in this offense, and it's a wonder if he'll fit with Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. One would have to believe that he will because that's an All-Star center who can provide 20 points and 10 rebounds in his sleep.

Chicago swept the three-game season series over Charlotte last season. Before that, the Hornets won five of their previous six games over the Bulls, dating back three years.