Charlotte is improved this season with a stronger bench. But the Hornets are not close to being in Chicago's class. The problem for the Bulls isn't one of talent or depth. The Bulls have that in abundance. It's focus and adjusting to new coach Fred Hoiberg's style, which is more up-tempo.

The Bulls have been classic head cases this season. They've beaten the Cavaliers, Thunder and much-improved Magic at home. But they've also lost to the Timberwolves at United Center and were blown out on the road by Charlotte, 130-105, 10 days ago. The Hornets made an unbelievable 14 of 23 shots from 3-point range in that victory.

This spot, though, sets up well for the Bulls and it's not just for revenge purposes. Chicago last played on Monday when it blew out the 76ers on the road. The Bulls have been idle and pointing to this matchup since then. They don't play again until Monday when they host Indiana. So a fully focused effort is anticipated knowing they were humiliated only 10 days ago. That's short revenge and should stick in the minds of the players.

Charlotte, on the other hand, is playing for the third time in four days and fifth straight game in a different building. The Hornets were fortunate to hold off the Knicks, 95-93, at home two nights ago when Kristaps Porzingis' buzzer-beating 3-pointer was ruled to have come too late. Charlotte is 2-7 ATS the past nine times following a straight-up victory.

The Hornets are without Michael Kidd Gilchrist, their best defender, and may also be without key reserve Cody Zeller, who is nursing an ankle injury. The Hornets rely heavily on Kemba Walker for their outside shooting. He's just 6-for-23, however, from the floor during the last two games.

In addition to this play, Stephen Nover has his Western Conference Game of the Month going today.