The Denver Nuggets and Chicago Bulls are playing at the United Center on New Years Day as Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol host the Nugs starting at 8 pm ET and the game is the first for 2015 for the teams and has the Bulls coming in as one of the most impressive in the league this season.
The Bulls appear to be in better position than the Cavs for this season with the way things have started and they are the favorites to win this division in the central. The Bulls come in after a loss against the Brooklyn Nets and now they play the Nuggets before an east matchup with the Boston Celtics. The Bulls are 22-10 this season and they have been one of the most balanced teams in the league this year.
The Bulls have had injuries this season to various players, but the play of Jimmy Butler has put the team in position to make a deep playoff run. Butler has been leading the team in scoring and minutes for most of the season and he could be in line to win most improved player of the season. Doug McDermott is out, but Taj Gibson is back and Pau Gasol has played very well since signing in the offseason.
The Bulls had issues on offense last season with Derrick Rose out and the team has improved greatly this season, as they are ranked ninth in points per game. The team is averaging over 100 points per game this season and they are fourth in rebounds per game and 10th in points allowed. Derrick Rose has been able to stay healthy for the majority of the season and that could be the key to a championship run.
Check here for the Denver Nuggets and Chicago Bulls live coverage.
