The Atlanta Hawks (1-2) are set to face the Chicago Bulls (2-0) at the United Center on October 27, 2025, with hopes of rebounding from a rocky start to the NBA season [3, 6]. After a demoralizing loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder [15, 18, 19, 20], Atlanta is looking to find its footing against a Bulls team that has surprisingly emerged as a top contender in the Eastern Conference [14]. Despite injury concerns, Trae Young is determined to lead his team to victory, aiming for a "special" season [1, 7].
Injury Report and Game Preview
The Hawks enter the game with several key players on the injury report. Jalen Johnson is questionable due to a right ankle sprain [3, 5, 17, 18]. Kristaps Porzingis and Zaccharie Risacher are also out for the second straight game [5, 18], with Porzingis suffering from flu-like symptoms and Risacher nursing a right ankle sprain [18]. The Bulls also have injury concerns, with multiple starters listed on the injury report [4]. Despite these challenges, the Hawks are favored by -2.5 points, with an over/under of 241.5 [2, 5].
The Bulls have started the season strong with consecutive wins against the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic [4]. However, the Hawks are eager to shake off their early-season struggles and climb back to a neutral record [3, 14]. Much will depend on the availability of key players, but there's optimism that some will play [2]. Trae Young is expected to have his best game of the season, potentially leading Atlanta to a win [2].
Trae Young's Mindset and Leadership
Trae Young is entering his eighth season with a renewed sense of energy and focus [1, 11, 12]. He is determined to silence his critics and lead the Hawks to postseason success [7, 12]. Young has been actively working on getting his teammates more involved, as evidenced by his efforts to build chemistry with Jalen Johnson before Johnson's injury [9]. Young's scoring average dipped last season, but his focus on playmaking could unlock new potential for the Hawks' offense [9].
Young's leadership extends beyond the court, as he demonstrated by actively recruiting teammates like guard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker [10]. Alexander-Walker noted similarities between Young and Anthony Edwards in how their confidence and competitiveness can sometimes be misconstrued [10]. Despite external noise and chatter, Young remains beloved in Atlanta and focused on improving both his offensive and defensive contributions [7, 12].
TL;DR
- The Atlanta Hawks face the Chicago Bulls on October 27, 2025, aiming to improve their 1-2 record despite key injuries [3, 6, 18].
- Trae Young is determined to have a "special" season and silence his critics, focusing on both scoring and playmaking [1, 7, 9].
- The Hawks are dealing with injuries to key players like Jalen Johnson, Kristaps Porzingis, and Zaccharie Risacher [3, 18].
- Despite a 117-100 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Hawks are favored to win against the Bulls, with the over/under set at 241.5 [2, 19].