San Antonio Spurs vs. Chicago Bulls: Keys to Game and Prediction

The San Antonio Spurs (14-3) take on the Chicago Bulls (9-5) on Monday night in what should be an exciting game at the United Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:00pm ET and will be televised on NBATV.
The Spurs are coming off an impressive 108-88 win against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs with 22 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
San Antonio is looking to extend their five game win streak. The Spurs have won four of their last five meetings against Chicago. This game will be tough as the Bulls are 5-1 at home.
What are the keys to a Spurs victory against Chicago?
-Kawhi Leonard vs. Jimmy Butler
The game isn’t played as 1 on 1 matchup but players do have to edge players at their position on the other team. In this contest it’s as good as it gets with Leonard matching up with star small forward Butler. The two players are two of the best small forwards, and are lockdown defenders. Butler is averaging 20.7 points and 5.2 rebounds. Leonard is averaging 22 points and 7.8 rebounds. The winner of this matchup may be the factor in their team’s win.
–Tony Parker
Tony Parker will have to defend the explosive Derrick Rose. Rose, who has been as injury prone as anyone in recent memory isn’t the same player he was a few season’s ago, but he’s still a threat. Parker has been playing terrific as of late. The 33-year-old guard is averaging 15.6 points on 68 percent shooting, and six assists in the last five contests.
-Feed LaMarcus Aldridge
LaMarcus Aldridge has the biggest matchup advantage tonight. Aldridge will be defended by offensive minded Nikola Mirotic. It’s going to be interesting to see if the Spurs give Aldridge a lot of touches, since Mirotic doesn’t stand much of a chance against Aldridge.
Prediction:
98. 29. 95. 24.
This will be one of the most difficult games of the season for the Spurs. Chicago is capable of beating the Spurs as they are deep and have a terrific duo in Pau Gasol and Butler. The Spurs will escape with a thrilling victory.