Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls will go to battle on Tuesday night in an effort to gauge which of these teams is a contender and which is a pretender.

While Tuesday nights aren’t good for much, the return of the NBA in a condensed form means plenty of games on nights there is nothing to do.

I expect the Bulls to come out fast and make the Hawks pay for sloppy play; this could get ugly.

Where: United Center, Chicago, IL

When: Tuesday, January 3, 7:00 p.m. ET

Watch: NBA TV

Listen: ESPN Radio

Betting Line: Over/Under: 183, Spread: Chicago -5 (Covers)

This matchup has all the makings of a blowout for the Atlanta Hawks, who are facing the NBA’s best over the next two nights. If Atlanta stops concentrating for even a moment, the Bulls will get up on them and never let them back in. This game goes over with the bulls winning by 18 points.

Injuries (CBS)

Bulls

Richard Hamilton, SG, Questionable

C.J. Watson, PG, Doubtful

Hawks

Kirk Hinrich, PG, Out until at least early February

Bulls’ Player to Watch: Carlos Boozer

While the veteran has been playing well, the Bulls need the highly paid forward to start carrying his weight and alleviate some of the pressure off Rose. If Boozer steps up, the Bulls could be tough to beat in the East.

Hawks’ Player to Watch: Josh Smith

With talk about trades and free agency starting to surround the already infamously streaky power forward Josh Smith, there is worry around the Hawks team and the league that Smith will mentally check out. Tonight will be a good measuring stick for that thesis.

What They’re Saying

The Chicago Bulls’ Blog is reporting on Twitter:

Chicago sports producer Jeff Mangurten talks about the importance of 100:

Hawks play-by-play man Bob Rathbun shares a startling fact for Atlanta faithful:

Key Matchup: Derrick Rose vs. Anyone Trying to Stop Him

In any and every game the Chicago Bulls play this season, the key to their success will be Derrick Rose and his ability to make space for himself and the players around him.

With news that C.J. Watson is out and Hamilton may be limited, the Hawks can expect to see an even heavier dosage of the defending MVP. That spells trouble for any team.

Prediction: Bulls 104, Hawks 86

Check back for more on the National Basketball Association as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NBA Page to get your fill of all things basketball.

Follow @Donald_Wood