What happened: Norman Powell scored 10 points in the opening quarter Friday against the Atlanta Hawks. The scoring burst paced Chicago to a 33-24 lead after the first 12 minutes.
Why it matters: Powell returned to the starting lineup after an injury absence as Chicago looks to halt an eight-game losing skid. Sustained scoring from the veteran guard is critical for a 1-9 Bulls squad seeking offensive consistency.
By the numbers: Powell is averaging 19.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in 2026-27 through 8 games. Chicago is 1-9 through 10 games this season.
What to watch: Chicago continues regular-season play aiming to snap its losing streak and stabilize the rotation.