Chicago Bulls: Wednesday’s game against Lakers is crucial for the playoffs

The Chicago Bulls are one of the hottest teams in the entire National Basketball Association, especially since the addition of Chicago native Patrick Beverley. In a season considered lost by many Bulls fans, they have risen from the ashes to become a team that nobody wants to play in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs. In their last 10 games, the Chicago Bulls have posted a 7-3 record.

However, that meant absolutely nothing on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena when the Bulls were absolutely torched by the Los Angeles Clippers. A win would’ve put them in prime position to climb the Eastern Conference standings. Bulls fans were instead left flabbergasted as 34-year old Nicholas Batum turned back the clock, pouring in 24 points on 8-10 shooting from three point range with five assists and three rebounds to boot.

With only seven games left in the regular season, there is little room for error if the Bulls want to improve their chances in the play-in tournament by finishing in the top 8 of the Eastern Conference. They are fortunate to be in this position after such an inconsistent season. All that matters is making the playoffs, where it’s been proven time and time again that anything can happen.

Enter the Los Angeles Lakers. After being dubbed as too small by our beloved Patrick Beverley in Sunday afternoon’s victory, LeBron James is sure to have revenge on his mind when tip-off occurs at 7:00 PM CST at the United Center in Chicago. With that being said, the Bulls have owned the Lakers as they will be looking to complete a second-straight season sweep of James’ squad.

The Chicago Bulls cannot afford to lose this game. They sit 1.5 games back from the Hawks for the 8th seed with one game still remaining against the Hawks. With a strong finish, the Bulls can position themselves perfectly to play spoiler against the top teams of the East. Bulls Nation, it has undoubtedly been a maddening season, but playoff basketball can cure all. It’s time to run with our Chicago Bulls.