Brooklyn @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Feb 26, 2018 ) Chicago 87, Brooklyn 104

The Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls have combined for over 100 losses as they begin a home-and-home series on Saturday in Chicago. Despite the lackluster campaigns, the Bulls won three consecutive games before losing to the Boston Celtics on Friday, while Brooklyn has shown life by splitting its past 10 games.

The Nets are coming off an impressive 119-111 road victory over the playoff-bound Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday and the victory prompted coach Kenny Atkinson to remind observers that the team isn't just playing out the string. "I keep saying 'We're playing for a lot,'" Atkinson told reporters. "We're playing for our future, we're playing for our culture ... we're playing for our fans." Chicago let an 11-point first-half lead get away in the loss to the Celtics as it fell to 10-30 on the road. Journeyman guard Sean Kilpatrick was solid with a season-best 24 points and is averaging 22.5 over the past two games.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, YES (Brooklyn), NBCS Chicago

ABOUT THE NETS (26-53): Guard D'Angelo Russell scored 22 points in the victory over the Bucks for his first 20-point effort since also producing 22 against the Dallas Mavericks on March 17. The 22-year-old Russell is averaging a team-leading 15.5 points in 45 games during a season interrupted by knee surgery and next season will be a big campaign for him in his quest to land a large contract. The Nets previously picked up his $7 million option as part of the contract he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers after being the No. 2 overall selection of the 2015 draft.

ABOUT THE BULLS (27-52): Rookie forward Lauri Markkanen scored 20 points in the loss to Boston for his third straight strong outing. Markannen is 22-of-36 shooting while averaging 22.3 points during the three-game stretch as he continues to display that he is a building block for the franchise. "It's a learning process. You have to build that chemistry with everybody," Markkanen told reporters. "I think everybody knows if you're not getting the ball or getting to your own spots that you're normally getting to."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Swingman Allen Crabbe scored 21 points as the Nets routed the visiting Bulls 104-87 on Feb. 26.

2. Brooklyn SF DeMarre Carroll (hip) will miss his second straight, while F Dante Cunningham (back) and C Jahlil Okafor (ankle) are both questionable after sitting out against Milwaukee.

3. Chicago backup PG Jerian Grant is averaging 13 points and three steals over the past three games.

PREDICTION: Bulls 106, Nets 103