Bulls' fast pace meets league's worst defense in Chicago

The Washington Wizards (17-65 last season), who allowed a league-worst 120.3 points per 100 possessions, visit the Chicago Bulls (31-51), the league's second-fastest team, on Saturday, October 24, at 8:00 PM ET.

All figures are from last season, with this season's rosters. Opponents shot an effective 56.3% against Washington, 27th of 30. Chicago scored only 111.1 per 100, 24th, but its pace of 104.3 and its three-point volume, eighth in the league, create plenty of shots against a defense that leaks.

Washington also finished last in defensive rebounding at 70.2%. Chicago grabbed only 23.1% of its own misses, 27th, so the Bulls may not turn that weakness into many second chances.

Anthony Davis averaged 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds in 20 games last season and is the Wizards' main answer inside. Alexandre Sarr averaged two blocks a game. For Chicago, Norman Powell scored 21.7 points a game, and Josh Giddey averaged 9.1 assists and 8.3 rebounds.

The Wizards list AJ Dybantsa as day-to-day. Jamir Watkins is out, with an expected return of Friday, April 2, and Tristan Vukcevic is out until Monday, November 2. Chicago is without Nicolas Claxton, out until Wednesday, November 4. He played 27.8 minutes a game last season.

This season Chicago beat Milwaukee 132-125 and lost 92-135 at Toronto. Washington beat Milwaukee 128-116 at home and lost 102-112 to Toronto.

Sportsbooks' prices give Washington a 51% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, favors Chicago at 60% by a margin of three points.