The Bulls lost an important game against the New York Knicks Monday night. It was a “must lose” in the ongoing Tankathon, giving the Bulls a 1.5 game cushion on the Knicks for the 8th worst record in the NBA. Lauri Markkanen, Kris Dunn, and Zach LaVine continued to rest from their various ailments, leaving their teammates to shoulder the tanking responsibilities in New York.
Hoiberg: “I don’t think we’re going to have to worry about them throwing this on ESPN Classic anytime soon. When that ball doesn’t go in the hoop, it’s ugly.”
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 20, 2018
Cristiano Felicio was the surprise player of the game. He scored 17 points (a new career high), collected 6 rebounds, and blocked 1 shot. Bobby Portis and Antonio Blakeney each added 16 points to the pitiful Bulls effort. Cameron Payne led the team in assists with 6. It was a pure tank job through and through: New York Knicks 110 and the Bulls 92.
The Bulls are now 1.5 games out of the 7th worst record, currently held by the Brooklyn Nets, and 2 games back of the 6th worst record, owned by the Sacramento Kings. It may be possible for our tanking heroes to slide even further down the standings! The next three games for the Bulls feature teams fighting for playoff spots. They will face the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks at home, before traveling to Detroit to compete against the Pistons.
Unfortunately, the Brooklyn Nets have a difficult schedule ahead of them with games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors this upcoming weekend. But with no incentive to tank, having traded away this years 1st round draft pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Nets may surprise these two powerhouse teams, especially if Toronto decides to rest key players for the playoffs, and the Cavs continue to nurse injuries.
The good news comes when we look at Sacramento’s future opponents. Two out of the next three games for the Kings are against the Atlanta Hawks and the Dallas Mavericks. If the Kings aren’t careful they could win both of those games. And if the Bulls lose three in a row, they could slide right past Sacramento in the standings! That should be the Bulls tank goal this next week; catch the Sacramento Kings in the standings. It’s completely achievable.
Injury News:
Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen both participating in non-contact portions of Tuesday’s practice. LaVine admitted the decision not to play in games is “collective.” Dunn in walking boot, out vs. Nuggets.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 20, 2018
Kris Dunn has suffered a minor setback to his injured toe and will miss more games. Lauri Markkanen should play in the next game, his back is feeling better. Zach LaVine has rested his knee the last couple of games, so, like Lauri, he should be ready to play against the Nuggets. I say LaVine and Markkanen “should” be ready for the Nuggets, but as K.C. Johnson’s tweet says, it’s a “collective decision.”
Insulting the Injured…
The Chicago Bulls have officially been eliminated from the playoffs.
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) March 20, 2018
The Worst Records in the NBA:
1. Phoenix Suns 19-53 .264
2. Memphis Grizzlies 19-51 .271
3. Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic 21-50 .296
5. Dallas Mavericks 22-49 .310
6. Sacramento Kings 23-49 .319
7. Brooklyn Nets 23-48 .324
8. Chicago Bulls 24-46 .343
9. New York Knicks 26-45 .366
RokDeez Bulls Blog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.