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Chicago Bulls NBA Playoffs: Keys and Predictions Against Boston Celtics

By Zachary Leslie

Apr 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Paul Zipser (16), guard Jerian Grant (2), center Robin Lopez (8) and forward Jimmy Butler (21) huddle during the second half against the Orlando Magic at the United Center. Chicago defeats Orlando 122- 75. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Paul Zipser (16), guard Jerian Grant (2), center Robin Lopez (8) and forward Jimmy Butler (21) huddle during the second half against the Orlando Magic at the United Center. Chicago defeats Orlando 122- 75. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bulls will play game one against the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon. What are the keys to the series? Who will ultimately come out on top?

The Chicago Bulls front office faced a decision this past offseason. Would they tank? Would they not? This front office ultimately decided to only half-way complete the rebuild. The Bulls then added Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo in order to sneak into the playoffs this season. They did that, and they will play the one seed in a best of seven series.

Keys to the Series

Nikola Mirotic must consistently knock down shots and knock them down at a high rate. If the Bulls want any chance of beating the Celtics it starts with spacing the floor to give Jimmy Butler, Wade and Rondo room to drive. Mirotic is the main guy who has to get going from outside, but Denzel Valentine also needs to get going from deep. Both guys have been inconsistent and the Bulls need them to step up.

Turnovers will always be a big part of any series, but especially this one. The Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics played each other four times this season, which each team taking a pair of games. When the Bulls had fewer turnovers than the Celtics, they won. When they turned it over more than the Celtics, they lost. If the Chicago Bulls keep the turnovers down, they have a legitimate chance of winning this series.

My last key to this series is the play of Dwyane Wade. The Bulls simply need him to step up if they have a chance. If Wade decides to show up, give full effort and play defense, the Bulls will find themselves in a great position.

Wade has shown the tendency to be lazy on defense and the audacity to blame anyone but himself. He can lead this team to a second-round appearance and a major upset, but it is totally up to him to do so.

Next: How Will Bulls Attack Isaiah Thomas?

Predictions

It is hard for me to see the Bulls winning this series. They just do not have the right roster structure for this NBA. A lot of things would have to go right to win this series. The Bulls will probably sneak one out a home, and maybe they steal one on the road but taking down Isaiah Thomas and company in a seven game series is difficult to see. Celtics in 6.

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