Predictions
We love to end things on a positive note, so let’s get to the predictions!
Chicago has a tougher challenge than the Lakers – getting back into gear after four rest days.
If they can knock off the rest early and post another strong first quarter, they position themselves nicely. The flipside of that coin is Hoiberg’s lineups after the starting five. Los Angeles has a whole bunch of talented players, capable of going nuclear at any given moment. Even Nick Young has his moments for this Lakers team.
The Lakers are coming off a Tuesday night game in New Orleans, a game in which they were run off the court by a struggling Pelicans squad. At 9-10, Los Angeles might be heading in the wrong direction while Chicago has looked surprisingly good early on.
Player of the Game: Jimmy Butler
Score: 106-99
Winner: Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have been absurdly better than expected all season. At some point, this stops being an outlier and becomes the norm. That time might as well be now. Butler seems particularly motivated to elevate his game night after night and the confidence from his big performance in their last meeting probably motivates him to go nuts again.
If Chicago loses, they’re still 10-7 and one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference.