Preview: Blue Coats at Bulls, G League Clash Set for Thursday

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (Interstat) — The Windy City Bulls, hovering at .500, will host the struggling Delaware Blue Coats in a G League matchup on Thursday night at Sears Centre.

The Bulls (10-10) look to rebound from a 130-114 home loss to Osceola on Saturday. They will again lean on high-scoring guard Mac McClung, who poured in 30 points in that defeat. McClung has been a dynamic force, averaging 26.8 points and 7.1 assists over his last 10 games, including a 41-point, 10-assist performance on Dec. 14.

The Blue Coats (8-13) enter with momentum from a dominant 130-94 victory over Birmingham on Sunday. Forward Saint Thomas recorded a triple-double in that win with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Thomas’s role has expanded recently, averaging 12.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists over his last three contests.

Delaware’s win snapped a two-game skid but highlighted its inconsistent season. The Blue Coats have shown offensive firepower, scoring 120 or more points in six games, but also own the league’s worst defense, allowing a G League-high 119.3 points per game.

Windy City has been similarly volatile, alternating wins and losses over its past six games. The Bulls’ offense, spearheaded by McClung and supported by forwards Emanuel Miller and Kevin Knox, averages 122.7 points, but their defense allows 122.4.

The game features a contrast in styles: Delaware’s up-tempo attack against a Windy City team capable of explosive scoring runs. Containing McClung will be a primary challenge for a Blue Coats defense that has struggled to limit elite guards.

This is the first of a quick two-game set between the teams, who will meet again at Sears Centre on Saturday. Thursday’s tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.