Chicago Bulls: Critical Road Match-up Versus Memphis on Thursday
Tonight, the Chicago Bulls head to Memphis to face the impressively bad Grizzlies. With 15 games left in this miserable season, time is running out when it comes to jockeying for lottery positioning.
The Chicago Bulls draw eight teams with losing records in their remaining slate of games. Each of which will be crucial when determining the lottery standings. After an exciting 119-110 victory over the Grizzlies a couple weeks back, Chicago will likely look to replicate similar results.
In all likelihood, Bulls fans will be begging for a loss here against a bad team. Given how they are currently only a half-game ahead of the struggling Knicks, a win tonight would put them in jeopardy of slipping from eighth to ninth in the standings.
While a victory may seem likely, Lauri Markkanen will be held out a second straight game with back spasms. This would at least open the door at a chance for the Bulls to drop this matchup with Memphis.
Previewing a potential ‘snoozefest’
While Noah Vonleh could draw another start, spark plug Bobby Portis might look to capitalize on Markkanen’s absence.
It’s no secret that Portis has been playing well during the second half of the season. In fact, he’s been the reason why Chicago has come away with some recent close victories down the stretch. Depending on whether or not coach Fred Hoiberg will opt to give Robin Lopez any minutes will likely determine Portis’ output tonight.
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As for the rest of the starters, Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine have been inconsistent since coming out of the All-Star break. This could be a product of getting a heavy payload of minutes and injuries for Dunn. LaVine could be just going through a shooting rut.
Regarding the bench, Cameron Payne has been playing admirably but hasn’t shown enough to warrant a return next season.
Denzel Valentine has shown us what he can be when he’s at his best. However, at times he also has shown us his worst.
Christiano Felicio has been one of the worst players in the league this season. However, Chicago paid him like a mid-level starter last summer.
Next: Chicago Bulls: Prospects to Watch for during March Madness
This final stretch of games isn’t just important for the ‘Tankathon‘, but for the younger player’s development. We’ll find out which side of that coin the Bulls find themselves on by the end of the night.