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CHICAGO BULLS: season predictions

Season Predictions

Regular Season: You can’t help but feel for superstar PG Derrick Rose. He could be out for the year for the third time in a row, and his career is seriously in jeopardy now after winning the 2010-2011 MVP. Prayers to him. The Bulls have done just fine without Rose for awhile now as they are used to his injuries, and this season should be no exception. Chicago boasts a couple of rather unlikely All-Stars in SG/SF Jimmy Butler and PF Pau Gasol, while reigning Defensive Player of the Year C Joakim Noah continues to hold down the fort. However, a recent injury to Butler could make things even harder on the Bulls this year, though they should get him back for the playoffs. Chicago is currently battling with Toronto and Cleveland for spots #2, #3, and #4, as all three teams are very close to each other and the Hawks (#1) and Wizards (#5) remain very far away in terms of wins. The injuries to Rose and Butler will no doubt still significantly hurt the Bulls, as they go from title contender to playoff dark-horse, and will probably cause them to slip to fourth in the standings, just a couple of games behind Toronto and Cleveland. Even without a healthy Rose, however, Chicago can still make some noise in the playoffs.

Projected Record: 50-32

Playoffs Round One
Chicago Bulls (#4) vs. Washington Wizards (#5)

The Wizards also boast a former #1 overall pick in the last several years at point guard, but John Wall, unlike Rose, isn’t so injury-prone. He is joined by young star SG Bradley Beal in an impressive backcourt, while defensive anchor C Marcin Gortat and veteran SF/PF Paul Pierce are also key pieces to this Washington team. That said, the Bulls will absolutely dominate up front in this series, with a rotation featuring Gasol, Noah, PF/C Taj Gibson, and more. Rebounding and scoring inside is going to be a huge problem for Washington, and if the Bulls can control those two elements of the game, it’s going to put a lot of pressure on Wall and Beal to light it up from deep. With Butler being such an excellent defender, however, it’s going to be tough for the Wizards to put the ball in the basket, while Chicago has ways to do so on the other end. A defensive slugfest is in store, and the Bulls almost always win those.

Series Prediction: Chicago wins 4-2

Playoffs Round Two
Atlanta Hawks (#1) vs. Chicago Bulls (#4)

This matchup is significantly different than the Wizards for the Bulls. Unlike last series, the Bulls cannot just dominate the paint. Not when PF Paul Millsap and C Al Horford are down low at least. Though the Hawks actually lack quality rebounding and Chicago should maintain a steady edge in that department throughout the series, it is Atlanta’s team all-around that allows them to pull through. Butler can only guard one of PG Jeff Teague, SG Kyle Korver, and SF DeMarre Carroll, and the other two will likely flourish. The driving lanes for these guys, particularly Teague, will also be open, as Horford and Millsap can both hit from mid-range. The Bulls may win the battle inside, but ultimately lose the war as the Hawks advance.

Series Prediction: Atlanta wins 4-2
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