The Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder do battle in an interesting season-opener of two teams with very different storylines. Chicago’s core is hanging on for dear life, while OKC’s fun bunch are young and loaded.

Catch the game tomorrow, October 26th, at 8:00 AM, Manila time.

HOME: Chicago Bulls (0-0)

Projected starting five:

  • Coby White
  • Zach LaVine
  • DeMar DeRozan
  • Patrick Williams
  • Nikola Vucevic

The Bulls look to bounce back from a disappointing season that left them as a play-in team at best. It was a season that paired good defense (7th in points allowed) with abysmal offense (22nd in points).

In any case, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine will lead the attack with their scoring and athleticism. It’s not that appealing, though, as the former was only 12-for-27 despite scoring 30 in his lone matchup with OKC in 2022-23, while the latter is a combined 14-for-41 from the floor in two meetings. Big man Nikola Vucevic, meanwhile, posted 16/12/3.5 in the season series.

Coby White and Patrick Williams should look to help out on offense by being more consistent, especially White, who has been quiet ever since showcasing a strong rookie campaign in 2020.

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AWAY: Oklahoma City Thunder (0-0)

Projected starting five:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • Josh Giddey
  • Lu Dort
  • Jalen Williams
  • Chet Holmgren

The Thunder arguably pose the most exciting young core in the entire league. Note that they almost surprisingly made the playoffs last season while being pegged as a lottery team. Now, they should be even better with their heralded 2022 pick, Chet Holmgren.

Holmgren, a tall and long rim protector with nice range, will be mixing it up with all-around talent. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as always, leads OKC with his 30-plus points per game average from last season; Josh Giddey is there as the stat-stuffing ways and playmaking abilities; Jalen Williams is as an added scoring punch from inside and out; and Lu Dort is locking guys up with his tenacious defense.

The Thunder were one of the best offenses in 2022-23 with 117.5 PPG. Their defense wasn’t as solid, though, as they gave up 116.6 points.

PREDICTION:

Handicap: The Thunder (+1.5) won both meetings last season, and they’ll collect another win tomorrow.

Over/Under: The total goes under 228.

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