Preview: Chicago and Golden State are trending in opposite directions

Game Details

WHO: Golden State Warriors (6-1) at Chicago Bulls (2-4)

WHEN: Monday, October 29 at 5:00 p.m. PST

WHERE: United Center — Chicago, IL

HOW TO WATCH: NBC Sports Bay Area

BLOG BUDDY: Blog a Bull

Injuries

Warriors: Shaun Livingston (foot, out) (updated 10/29), DeMarcus Cousins (left Achilles, out)

Bulls: Bobby Portis (sprained MCL, out), Lauri Markkanen (elbow, out), Denzel Valentine (ankle, out), Kris Dunn (knee, out)

Injuries vs. no injuries

The Bulls were never going to be good this season, but nobody could have predicted how much bad luck they would have just six games into the season. Four of Chicago’s young and promising rotation players are injured (see above), and the Bulls are left with Zach LaVine, Jabari Parker, Wendell Carter Jr., Robin Lopez and a few wings who play like me in pick-up hoops (no offense Justin Holiday). It’s a shame that Chicago’s first two months of the season will go down as a wash. They should begin tanking.

Excluding DeMarcus Cousins and Shaun Livingston, the Warriors are flying into Chicago with a clear doctor’s sheet. It’s a tale of two teams.

Wendell Carter Jr. is key for Chicago

Before the Warriors played the Suns, I told readers to keep an eye out for how the Warriors played against DeAndre Ayton. Tonight, the Warriors face another young big man: Wendell Carter Jr.

Carter Jr. may not possess the flashiness or offensive ability of Ayton, but he’s a disciplined defender and consummate teammate. For a glimpse into the the future of the Bulls, keep your eyes on Carter Jr.

Most of Jordan Bell’s time will time be spent guarding Carter Jr., but they are a clash of styles. Carter’s intentional movement and strength will test Bell to stay disciplined and under-control in the paint.

The Steph Show

Stephen Curry is the best show in the NBA right now. And that’s not homerism. In the young season, Curry is averaging 33.7 points, 6 assists, 4.7 rebounds and shooting 52.7 percent from three. He’s made at least 5 three pointers in each game this season — an NBA record (via ESPN). Simply put, he’s been the best player in the NBA for nearly a tenth of the season. All of that amounts to nothing but it sure is fun to watch. Chicago’s Cameron Payne and Ryan Arcidiacono will need some divine intervention to stop Curry on Monday night.