Once again, the Chicago Bulls have overcome the odds to reach the postseason. The team looked doom after Derrick Rose was lost for the season for the second year in a row. Then during the trading period, two-time All-Star Luol Deng was sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers, making everyone believe Chicago was tanking the season. However, once again they proved everyone wrong to reach the playoffs and will go up against the Washington Wizards in the first round of the Eastern Conference series.
The Bulls secured home court advantage after posting 48 wins this season. Chicago surged in the second half of the year with 36 wins to get the fourth seed in the conference. The team is hoping to play better than last year where they beat the Brooklyn Nets but fell to the Miami Heat. They would not see the Heat until the Finals, instead having to try their luck against the Indiana Pacers if they get past the Wizards.
Washington has reason to believe they can win. The Wizards won 44 games and reached the playoffs for the first time behind the All-Star play of John Wall. The point guard missed the playoffs for his first three years in the NBA and will now look to make his first trip count. He is averaging 19.3 points per game and led the league in total assists. The Bulls will look to keep him outside, but even their Wall has improved despite only shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc.
The Wizards were able to take two games from the Bulls in span of five days back in January, but Chicago has the most recent win getting a victory just two weeks ago. DJ Augustin put up a strong defensive game while also posting 25 points and six 3-point shots. The Bulls will use that type of play and experience to try and beat the Wizards.
