Alex Barutha

With the Pacers depleted in the frontcourt, Siakam has picked up extra rebounding responsibilities. Across his 36.0 minutes per game, he's grabbing 11.0 boards. This is a good opportunity against Atlanta, as they're allowing the 3rd-most rebounds per 48 minutes (49.4). Notably, the Hawks have allowed big-rebound games to non-centers like Josh Giddey (13), Brandon Ingram (9), Michael Porter Jr. (9) and RJ Barrett (8).

Kessler has been great defensively to begin the year, averaging 2.7 blocks in 31.3 MPG -- similar to his 2024-25 block rate. This looks like a strong matchup for him, as Portland is being blocked the second-most per 48 minutes (6.5). Notably, Brook Lopez had three blocks in 13 minutes against the Blazers, and Ivica Zubac -- not known for his shot-blocking -- had two swats.

I don't see why a healthy Pelicans team shouldn't be better than the current version of the Grizzlies, who are dealing with notable injuries to Zach Edey, Scotty Pippen, Ty Jerome, Vince Williams and Brandon Clarke. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. also got very little run-up before the season since they were recovering from their own injuries. New Orleans has more overall talent and should be more prepared tonight.

I'm a believer in the Bulls this season, but not necessarily without Coby White, and not going up against a Pistons team that should be in Tier 2 of the Eastern Conference. My biggest concern on an Xs and Os level is Josh Giddey potentially being guarded by Ausar Thompson. That alone may be enough to blow up Chicago's offensive gameplan. Detroit is missing Jaden Ivey for a month and lost some important pieces over the summer, but I'm not ready to write them off -- at least not in this matchup.