The Chicago Bulls got deflating news before their season opener on Wednesday when it was revealed that starting SG Zach LaVine would miss the season opener with what was described as “left knee injury management.” With Zach out, Alex Caruso was inserted into the starting lineup for the home opener. Also in the starting lineup was Patrick Williams at the 4.
The Bulls did not start the game well as they gave up 33 points and couldn’t close out on the Heat’s 3-PT shooters. Miami shot 75% from 3 hitting 6 of their 8 attempts. As the game wore on, the Bulls began to be more aggressive on both ends of the floor. Ayo Dosunmu played aggressive all night as he finished with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Goran Dragic was the key early in the second quarter as he scored all 12 of his points in the quarter on 4 of 5 shooting from 3. Nikola Vucevic was another factor as he finished with 15 points, 17 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 assists. Vucevic was quick on his feet defensively and looked for his opportunities in the post. The Bulls began to take advantage of Miami’s constant switching on defense as they worked the ball inside to Vooch against smaller defenders. Andre Drummond and Javonte Green added some spark off the bench as they combined for 15 points in key spots.
The Bulls wore down the Heat and by the midway point of the 3rd quarter had built a 15-point lead. Miami battled back as Coach Billy Donovan rested DeMar DeRozan and Vucevic. The 2nd unit bogged down defensively and got in foul trouble early in the 4th quarter. With the game in the balance, DeMar DeRozan put on his cape and once again became The King of the Fourth. DeRozan scored some tough, key baskets down the stretch to help keep Miami at bay and the Bulls picked up the win 116-108. DeRozan finished with 37 points on 14 of 22 from the field, 9 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. DeMar became just the 2nd player to finish with 37 or more points in a Bulls season opener. We all know who the other guy was.
Final Thoughts
- Coby White struggled at first but finished with 10 points & 2 rebounds. White has to be ready to go and knock down open shots right away. He will be counted on to help the 2nd team with offense.
- Patrick Williams started but was barely noticeable. Williams finished with 4 points & 2 rebounds on 2 of 6 shooting. He looked passive to start the game when he had an opportunity to help shoulder some of the offensive load with LaVine being out.
- Javonte Green plays hard. He’s looking to be aggressive and get into the flow right away. This aggression that Green is playing with is what Patrick Williams is lacking. Green started a couple of games in the preseason to give Billy Donovan “another look”. If Williams doesn’t begin to be a dog out on the court then don’t be surprised if Green takes his spot.
- Zach LaVine’s knee is going to be an issue to start the season and that’s a bummer. With Lonzo Ball out until possibly January, LaVine’s knee issues caused alarm bells to go off in Chicago. Fans are worried that Zach’s knee issues just won’t go away. The team will take Zach’s injury on a day by day basis. Ayo Dosunmu, Alex Caruso, Goran Dragic and Coby White will have to pick up the slack in the meantime.
- Next up: The team’s first ten games are daunting. Here is what it looks like:
My Predictions
Here is how I see things shaping out this NBA season:
| Eastern Conference | Western Conference |
|---|---|
| 1. Milwaukee Bucks | 1. Golden State Warriors |
| 2. Boston Celtics | 2. L.A. Clippers |
| 3. Philadelphia 76ers | 3. Memphis Grizzlies |
| 4. Brooklyn Nets | 4. Phoenix Suns |
| 5. Miami Heat | 5. Denver Nuggets |
| 6. Cleveland Cavaliers | 6. New Orleans Pelicans |
| 7. Chicago Bulls | 7. Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 8. Toronto Raptors | 8. Dallas Mavericks |
| 9. Atlanta Hawks | 9. L.A. Lakers |
| 10. New York Knicks | 10. Portland Trailblazers |
- The East is STACKED. Even the teams that won’t make the top 10 won’t be pushovers. Every night is going to be a challenge and a dogfight.
- The West is top heavy. The Warriors, Clippers and Grizzlies are head and shoulders above everyone else in the West.
- Eastern Conference Finals: Bucks vs. Celtics
- Western Conference Finals: Warriors vs. Clippers
- NBA Finals: Bucks vs. Warriors
- NBA Champion: Golden St. Warriors
- NBA MVP: Giannis Antentokounmpo, Bucks
- NBA Finals MVP: Steph Curry, Warriors
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