Predicting the Chicago Bulls next 6 games: Can they make a playoff push?

March 29 vs. Los Angeles Lakers (Second meeting)

Prediction: Win

The Bulls will face the Lakers twice in less than a week, and while I believe they may lose in their first matchup, the Bulls will be able to capitalize the second time around. The Bulls have been good at home, going 20-16 on the year. Expect a strong game from Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, as they are both averaging over 26 PPG since February 1. Additionally, Coby White has been excellent at the United Center, scoring 11.2 points on 51.5/43.6/90.9 shooting splits over his last 12 home games.

March 31 @ Charlotte Hornets (2-1 this season)

Prediction: Win

The Chicago Bulls will close out the month of March in Charlotte, where they will meet the 23-50 Hornets. Charlotte has struggled mightily this season, but is in the middle of the NBA lottery race, currently having the 4th best odds to land the #1 overall pick. LaMelo Ball is out for the season, and the Hornets are left with Terry Rozier, Kelly Oubre Jr., and P.J. Washington to lead the team. Rozier and Oubre have put together good games against the Bulls this season, but as the year comes to a close, Charlotte will have its eyes set on 2023-24.

Expected Record by the end of March: 38-39

If the Bulls manage to play well and meet expectations by winning four of their next six games. they’ll take a major leap forward in getting back into the playoff picture. It’s still entirely possible for this team to overcome this season’s multitude of setbacks and get back to a 42-win pace (or higher), but doing so starts here as Chicago must capitalize on a relatively easier stretch of games before concluding the season.