Pippen Ain't Easy
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Chicago Bulls vs. San Antonio Spurs Game Outlook

By Ben Rains

Dec 5, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) dribbles around defenders during the first half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) dribbles around defenders during the first half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cristiano Felicio, C, Chicago Bulls
Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr. (7) defends a shot by Chicago Bulls forward Cristiano Felicio (6) in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago’s Bench. Awful.

Long gone are the days of the Bulls’ bench mob. Now, the entry of the second unit is a time reserved for fans to collectively hold their breath and hope for the best, knowing they will most likely see a train wreck instead.

The Bulls’ bench will hopefully get a boost tonight as McDermott is expected to return to the lineup. McDermott has only played in nine games for Chicago in 2016-17. But in the six games Chicago has won with him on the floor he has been a real spark on offense, playing nearly 25 minutes while scoring over 11 points on 50 percent shooting.

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The Bulls’ bench ranks 27th or worst in three major offensive categories. As a unit they have the worst field goal percentage in the league and they are 29th in 3-point percentage. And the bench is 27th in points per game.

With such dreadful numbers it can’t really get much worse for the Bulls’ bench, right?

The Spurs’ bench is on the opposite end of the spectrum. San Antonio goes nine or 10 deep easily. They all play within the epic ball movement and unselfish system that has become a staple of the organization. With players such as Patty Mills, David Lee, Ginobili and Jonathon Simmons all coming off the bench, the Spurs are tough to beat.

The Bulls’ bench needs to step up and play better tonight in order to win. Look for Cristiano Felicio to keep playing more minutes tonight against a big Spurs’ lineup.

And now, a prediction for tonight’s outcome.

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