The Bulls have been close enough to feel a turnaround, yet the finish line keeps moving. Chicago lost its last two games by a total of 11 points, including a 124-119 defeat to San Antonio on Nov. 11. Now Caleb Wilson and the Bulls welcome an Atlanta team that brings fast passes, active hands, and a very different kind of challenge Friday night.

As of Nov. 11, Chicago is 1-9, while Atlanta is 7-5. The records frame this game as a chance for the Bulls to prove their young group can turn promising stretches into wins. For the Hawks, it is another step in their push to become one of the East’s toughest teams.

Wilson is the bright spark in Chicago’s new chapter. The 6-foot-9 rookie scores 18.9 points per game, but his impact is bigger than one number. He can burst to the rim for finishes above the basket, chase players on defense, and grab the ball to start a break. His 1.8 steals per game show how often he creates extra chances with quick hands.

Josh Giddey will help guide Wilson through Atlanta’s pressure. Giddey leads the Bulls with 8.3 assists per game, which means he finds teammates for open shots. Chicago needs that teamwork because its three-point shooting has been a problem, at 28.9 percent. The Bulls cannot simply wait for long shots to fall. They must move the ball, attack the paint, and use Nic Claxton’s size near the rim. Claxton has played only two games, but his 1.5 blocks per game hint at the protection he can provide around the basket.

Atlanta’s defense will try to make every pass difficult. Dyson Daniels is the chief troublemaker, collecting an eye-popping three steals per game. A steal happens when a defender takes the ball away, and Daniels turns those plays into chances for the Hawks to run. Atlanta averages 10.1 steals, far more than Chicago’s 7.6, so the Bulls must take care of the ball after averaging 16.4 turnovers.

If Daniels is the disruptor, Jalen Johnson is Atlanta’s do-everything force. Johnson combines 19.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. He can push the break like a guard, battle for missed shots like a big forward, and set up teammates when defenders crowd him. Nickeil Alexander-Walker adds another major problem: his 21.9 points per game lead the Hawks, and his 37.3 percent shooting from deep gives Atlanta a dangerous outside option.

The Hawks share the ball beautifully, averaging 31.7 assists. That unselfish style powered recent wins over Brooklyn and Washington before Atlanta fell to the Lakers on Nov. 9. Chicago can answer with energy from Wilson, Giddey’s passing, and a loud home crowd. Norman Powell is listed as questionable with a shoulder issue, so his status could shape how much scoring help the young Bulls have.

Atlanta has more proven balance, stronger outside shooting, and the defensive pressure to bother Chicago. The Bulls should make it lively if Wilson flies in transition, but the prediction is a Hawks win.

Caleb Wilson and the Bulls Meet Atlanta’s Swarming Defense