Chicago Bulls looking for an early round upset
The Chicago Bulls were very close to actually miss the playoffs in back-to-back season since the 2003 and 2004 NBA season. They took full advantage of the remaining schedule due to the fact that they had to play against below .500 teams. They finished 8th in the Eastern Conference after competing with the Heat for the final playoff spot. There were many upside and downside with the roster. Their 3-point shooting wasn't really effective, but fact due to the statistics, they are one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the NBA. There were many chemistry problems with Rajon Rondo and the coaches. Outside of these downsides, the Bulls are a great offensive rebounding team.
Since the Bulls obtained the #8 seed for the playoffs, they will be going against Isaiah Thomas and the #1 seed Boston Celtics. The Celtics and Bulls played 4 times in the regular season and they are tied 2-2 in the regular season, so the playoffs will identify who is really the better team. This matchup for the Bulls is really tough, but they could upset the Celtics. Only 5 times in NBA history had a #8 seed upset a #1 seed in the Playoffs. It is a tough challenge, but they could possibly win the series.
Changes must be made and Bulls fans should see a different view of the team during the playoffs. Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler are expected to have great games, but guys like Nikola Mirotic, Jerian Grant, and even rookie Denzel Valentine must step-up their game. Now they are competing for a championship but also making an impact on their NBA careers. They're obviously are getting more aggressive in rebounding, but they also will improve their biggest challenge, which is making 3-pointers. A Playoff team can't be effective if their shots aren't going in.
Overall, the Bulls may have some flaws that they are working on during practices. Guys are wanting to step-up their game to another level and team chemistry problems are quickly going to desist. Their priority is become successful and try to be efficient during the NBA Playoffs. It will start for the team, when the team is looking to crash the party at TD Garden on Sunday at 5:30.
