After snapping their six-game losing streak against the Philadelphia 76ers this week, the Chicago Bulls have a chance to win two straight for the first time since the opening week of January.
The Bulls have faced off against the Clippers once this season, and they walked away with a surprisingly dominant 112-99 victory. However, the main reason for that is now wearing purple and black. Zach LaVine scored 35 points on 11-21 shooting in that initial meeting, and this included a 15-point third quarter that gave the Bulls a 36-16 advantage in that frame. Not a single other Bull cracked 20+ points in the matchup, as those not named LaVine shot a combined 23-73 from the field. Every game is different, but I’m not sure that bodes well for a strong shooting night at the United Center! The Clippers largely have their defense to thank for their 31-26 record. They currently hold a 108.7 defensive rating, which ranks behind only the OKC Thunder and Orlando Magic for the best unit in the league. They have held teams to 45.7 points in the paint per game and have forced the fifth-most turnovers on a nightly basis – and they score the second-most points per game off those turnovers. While we all know the impact Kawhi Leonard can have on this end of the floor, a lot of their success has come from their cast of role players. Former Bulls like Derrick Jones Jr. and Kris Dunn, in particular, have done a lot of the dirty work. Both have the ability to pester some of the Bulls’ top scorers. Ivica Zubac also remains an intimidating presence in the post, and he projects that he will be a huge problem with both Nikola Vucevic and Jalen Smith, who are likely to miss another game. Nevertheless, the Clippers aren’t an unbeatable force. They will come into tonight on a three-game losing streak and have averaged only 106 points per game over those three contests. James Harden continues to be their only reliable source of offense, as Kawhi Leonard has struggled to find his rhythm with only 16 total games played this season. Still, the Bulls’ defense is bad enough to let even the most dysfunctional offense light up the scoreboard, and the Clippers are still far from dysfunctional. They can do their fair share of damage in fastbreak situations thanks to their ability to force stops. We also know Harden is likely drooling at the sight of Chicago’s dead-last ranking in opponent points in the paint.Black attire for Bulls-Clippers ⚫️?⏰: 7:00 pm CT?: t.co/dLgvAjeEdl?: @670TheScore @AmericanExpress | #SeeRed pic.twitter.com/RFKfPOvcHu
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 26, 2025 As Monday night’s 142-110 victory underscored, the Chicago Bulls refuse to tank. Head coach Billy Donovan continues to preach messages about competitiveness and respecting the integrity of the game:“I worry a little bit about what kind of message you are sending your locker room,” Donovan told the Chicago Sun-Times’ Joe Cowley this week. “And I get what the fans are saying with looking at the percentages and, ‘Who cares [about winning].’ I get that. [But] I don’t think you ever want to give anybody any impression of, ‘Hey, these guys are all healthy, but we’re just resting them.’ I really respect that there’s a responsibility that we have organizationally to go out there and compete and do our best.”
To the Bulls’ credit, their recent actions with Nikola Vucevic at least imply that they are focusing more on player development than the win-loss column. He came into Monday with no injury designation, but the Bulls eventually ruled him out with calf tightness. The big man is currently listed as doubtful for tonight’s game, as well. All things considered, this sure has the scent of a “tank move” rather than a legitimate injury issue. But I also feel like this philosophy could change a moment’s notice with this organization, especially as Donovan continues to harp on competing to the best of their ability. The closer we get to the end of the regular season, the more I can see this front office talking themselves into the Play-In appearance. © Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images I can hear Arturas Karnisovas after the Round 1 Play-In loss now: “We have a lot of young talent with experience, and we’re committed to this group. We showed this season that we’re close to competing.” *shivers* By the way, if the season ended today, the Bulls would be set for a meeting with the Miami Heat in the Play-In for a third-straight season. While the Heat’s mentality for the remainder of the season is a tad unclear following the Jimmy Butler trade, they are 3-7 in their last ten games. I would not be surprised if Pat Riley begins to think about lottery odds over another run at the No. 8 seed. And, with that being the case, I trust him to lose a Play-In game more than I trust the Bulls! A good reminder: We are in store for back-to-back strong drafts. While 2026 may not be considered as deep by some, it could be almost as top-heavy. AJ Dybantsa has been on the league’s radar for quite some time, and he fits the exact mold of many NBA superstars today. All things considered, this is a very solid two-year stretch to have lottery picks, which is why there will be extra pressure on this front office to get their selections right. You got your picks back, now use them correctly!Every NBA team is searching for 6-foot-9 wings in AJ Dybantsa's mold. He can score from anywhere on the floor, pass on the move, defend multiple positions, and brings nonstop intensity and competitiveness to every matchup.More on ESPN: t.co/d4UZYVQD8Q pic.twitter.com/mxO0tMeYDu
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) February 26, 2025 Billy Donovan doesn’t challenge often, but he apparently does a pretty good job when he does!How good is every coach at using challenges? Here's what the data says. pic.twitter.com/Sqw9crdFWG
— Steph Noh (@StephNoh) February 26, 2025 This is not the player I expect to give Joakim Noah his “Welcome to the NBA” moment …Enjoy Jo’s welcome to the NBA moment ?❤️ pic.twitter.com/Cz3LZpyAkO
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 26, 2025 We have a positive update on Cubs top prospect Matt Shaw as the start of the season inches closer! A new agent poll wasn’t all that kind to the Chicago Blackhawks. Tab has the results here.ELSEWHERE AT BN: Check Out BN Fantasy | Subscribe to The BN Newsletter
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