Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards Game Outlook: The Undermanned Tale

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Mar 13, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) shoots the ball as Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lamb (3) defends in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Bulls won 115-109. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) shoots the ball as Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lamb (3) defends in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Bulls won 115-109. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy’s on an Island

Jimmy Butler will be facing his real first test on Friday against the Eastern Conference powerhouse in the Wizards. In the two games he’s played against them this season, he’s scored a combined 57 points.

This may be the time to truly believe in Butler – that is, if you want the Bulls to make the playoffs. They sit at the 10th seed with a 32-36 record. With 14 games remaining on the schedule, Butler is sitting in No Man’s Land like never before.

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Last season, we all remember him having Derrick Rose by his side, who played the most games in a single season in what feels like a decade. With Wade sidelined for the rest of this season, it’s all on Butler to demonstrate his leadership prowess to close out the season.

It all starts now.

With Butler on the court, the Bulls average an offensive rating of 108.7. Off the court they average 102.2.

Butler has to lift this team on his shoulders like he has earlier this season to show some form of competitiveness. This recent slump he has been suffering through was a bit too permanent – it’s time to be a big time player making big time plays.

Challenge accepted.