ATLANTA (Interstat) — The Atlanta Hawks look to steady themselves after a blowout loss when they host the Chicago Bulls at State Farm Arena on Sunday in a matchup of Eastern Conference teams trending in opposite directions. The Hawks (15-14) enter having lost three of their last four, including a 126-98 defeat to San Antonio on Friday. That loss followed a thrilling but ultimately unsuccessful 133-126 outing in Charlotte where Jalen Johnson posted 43 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Johnson has been a consistent triple-double threat, averaging 23.8 points, 12.1 rebounds and 9.9 assists over his last 10 games. His all-around play will be central to Atlanta’s efforts against a Chicago team finding its rhythm. The Bulls (12-15) have won two straight, including a 136-125 road victory in Cleveland on Friday. Veteran center Nikola Vucevic led the way with 24 points and 15 rebounds, continuing a strong stretch where he has averaged 15.1 points and 9.5 rebounds in December. Rookie forward Matas Buzelis added 24 points in the win, providing a scoring boost alongside Josh Giddey’s playmaking. Chicago won the season’s first meeting 128-123 at home on Oct. 27. Containing Johnson, who is coming off a 17-point, 11-rebound, six-assist performance against the Spurs, will be a primary focus for the Bulls’ defense. Both teams are navigating inconsistent stretches. The Bulls have shown offensive firepower in their recent wins but have struggled defensively for much of the season. The Hawks, despite Johnson’s brilliance, have been vulnerable, particularly on the defensive end, allowing an average of 124.5 points in their last four games. The game is the first of a quick home-and-home set, with the teams meeting again in Atlanta on Tuesday. For the Hawks, it begins a three-game homestand, while the Bulls continue a stretch with seven of their next nine games on the road. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. EST Sunday at State Farm Arena.