Bulls hit with worst possible luck as Paul George makes end-of-season return

The Bulls can’t seem to catch a break during their gauntlet of a final stretch of the regular season.

Every game for the rest of the regular season is a must-win for the Chicago Bulls. They are currently only a game out of the Eastern Conference play-in tournament and have a tough schedule to close out the year.

Here’s who they have left on the calendar:

• Mar. 31 vs Clippers
• Apr. 2 vs Heat
• Apr. 5 vs Bucks
• Apr. 6 vs Celtic
• Apr. 8 vs Hornets
• Apr.10 at Timberwolves

None of the teams in that stretch is a free space on the bingo card, but the Clippers, Timberwolves and Hornets felt like the games with some breathing room. That’s not the case anymore … at least in regard to the Clippers.

After missing three months with an elbow injury, Los Angeles is getting their superstar in Paul George back. He played against the Jazz on Tuesday night and should be on the floor when the Bulls and Clippers do battle on Thursday night.

Paul George is making his return just in time to face the Bulls

Whoops, did we mention George helped complete a 25-point comeback to the tune of a 34-point, six-assist, four-steal showing against Utah?

George has been rehabbing since late December after tearing his ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He has averaged 25 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.1 steals in 26 games this season.

Aside from the Bulls’ recent stretch of giving up 109 points or more to whoever steps on the court, Chicago doesn’t have anyone who can check George. At his best, George is a guy who gives the best defenders in the league a hard time. He’s 6-foot-8 with a smooth handle and dynamic explosion.

The Bulls have a problem keeping guards out of the lane as is. Adding George to the mix is potentially putting the Bulls in danger of another game where they allow over 120 points.

All that’s left to hope for? George is on a minutes restriction come Thursday after logging 31 in his first action in over three months.