Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks: 5 Takeaways from Monday’s Preseason Opener

Oct 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) passes the ball against Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) passes the ball against Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
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5. The starting PF spot is Taj Gibson’s (as of now) after Monday’s performance

Based off the performance from Taj Gibson, Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic on Monday night, the starting job next to Robin Lopez is Taj Gibson’s to lose.

There’s still plenty of practice time and six preseason games left, but Gibson looks like he’s going to be the choice and rightfully so. In 22 minutes on Monday, Gibson scored 11 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.

He did have four turnovers, so it wasn’t the perfect performance, but it was a noticeable one.

Gibson was his usual self on Monday night. He played hard, but under control, and pounded the glass for 12 rebounds (five on the offensive glass alone).

Four of the five starting lineup spots are locked in and ready to go for the regular season, and Gibson appears to have the early lead on Portis and Mirotic in the race.