The Chicago Bulls will attempt to continue their hot start to the 2012-13 season when they host the defending Western Conference champion, Oklahoma City, on Thursday night at the United Center. The Bulls have won three of their first four games, including a 99-93 victory Thursday over Orlando. Chicago has relied on a balanced attack in the absence of Derrick Rose, with five players averaging more than 12 points per game. Joakim Noah has led the way, averaging 16.0 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
Despite trading James Harden and a tepid 2-2 start, the Thunder remain one of the NBA's most explosive teams. Both Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are averaging 20.8 points per game, with Durant adding 12.3 rebounds per contest. Guard Kevin Martin has assumed some of the burden left by Harden, averaging 19.3 points per game off the bench and shooting 61% from behind the arc.
The game will get national television coverage, courtesy of TNT. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT.