3 ideal first-round playoff matchups for the Chicago Bulls to target

3 ideal playoff matchups for the Bulls: Charlotte Hornets

The Chicago Bulls have played 36 games thus far this season. In 35 of those contests, either DeMar DeRozan or Zach LaVine led the team in points scored. On just one single occasion did Chicago’s star duo get to enjoy a rest and let someone else go to work. That night, of course, took place on Nov. 29 against the Charlotte Hornets.

Nikola Vucevic proved to be the star of the show that night, as he dropped 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists en route to a 14-point victory over the Hornets. He also had a game-high plus/minus of +31, further indicating just how immense of an impact Vucevic had on this game.

Don’t be fooled, this was no coincidence or lucky shooting night. Charlotte’s post defense has been a cause for concern all season, with their frontcourt rotation of Mason Plumlee and PJ Washington repeatedly failing to compete with the elite interior talents of the NBA.

The stats seem to support the notion that the Hornets are severely lacking down low, as they give up the most second-chance points and the third most fast-break points per game in the league. This plays right into Chicago’s hand, as they are sixth in points scored off turnovers and seventh in fast-break points per game. Charlotte likes to play a fast-paced game, but even if their offense is clicking, their defense won’t get the same quality defensive stops that the Bulls will get on the other end.

It’s also worth considering the added benefit that could be had from not putting too much pressure on DeRozan and LaVine in the first round. DeMar’s track record in the playoffs is notoriously far from spotless, while Zach has also garnered much criticism for his lack of playoff experience. By playing an opponent that won’t require the duo to be on their best game every night, this matchup could help alleviate much of that pressure and allow the team to get off to a good start in the postseason.

It’s also worth mentioning that a high-stakes series between the Hornets and Bulls would just be plain fun basketball. These two teams rank third and fourth respectively in offensive rating and would make for great television while brothers Lonzo and LaMelo Ball battle for family supremacy. As far as ideal matchups go, very few teams present as attractive of an opponent as Charlotte.