Why the Chicago Bulls can upset the Philadelphia 76ers opening night

Key no. 3: Get big nights from big players

This might be pretty basic, but it is crucial for the Bulls to have a chance at winning this game. The Bulls must get big performances out of both LaVine and Parker. They got paid. Now, it’s time to put it all out there on the court.

LaVine, first and foremost, has looked the best he’s looked in a while over the course of the preseason. He has been most effective when he is attacking the basket, and he’s admitted as much, too. LaVine seems to finally understand that his talent peaks when he is in attack mode, not settling for jumpers.

I fully expect a 25-point night from LaVine in this one — and a lot of those points are going to come in the paint or at the charity stripe.

For Parker, it’s going to come down to his mentality I think. Will he be coming off the bench? That’s how it’s looking right about now.

So, how does he handle it? Does he come out visibly upset, not in the game mentally? Or, does he come out like he did in that final preseason game and prove he can facilitate if he’s not going to score at a high rate? Parker can score, let’s make no mistake about that. But, if he’s going to be used more like Simmons is used for the Sixers, but coming off the bench, he’s going to have to relish that role and make it count.

The Bulls’ success will largely come down to how Parker plays and how he chooses to attack this game, mentally. I am hoping we see a motivated player who is eager to prove a lot of the doubters wrong.