Play-In Schedule, Should We Be Excited? Coby White Showing Promise, and Other Bulls Bullets

Apr 08, 2023

The Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament is set.

With a loss to the Celtics last night, any hopes the Raptors had of a last-second push up the ranks vanished. They’re now locked into hosting the Chicago Bulls in the 9v10 game next week.

It’s Official: Chicago Bulls Will Face the Toronto Raptors in Play-In Game

While we knew the Bulls game would take place on April 12, we learned late last night the tip-off time. These two will compete in Toronto on ESPN at 6:00/6:30 p.m. CT. The winner of that game will then have to head to the winner of the Hawks-Heat matchup (which will take place on April 11 on TNT) to decide who gets the 8 seed on April 14. The NBA’s first round of the playoffs will then tip off over the following couple of days.

The Eastern Conference matchups for the 2023 AT&T Play-In Tournament are set.

More information will be provided as the Western Conference matchups and schedule are finalized. pic.twitter.com/KtUcUbHQCr— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 8, 2023

We also know that whichever team wins the 8 seed will face the Bucks, while the 7 seed will be matched up with the Boston Celtics. So, yeah, if the Bulls do miraculously become the first 10 seed to earn a first-round series, they will have a repeat matchup with the Greek Freak. To their credit, they did win two of those games earlier this season and have played a lot better basketball against the league’s playoff-proven squads. But does that mean I’d expect a competitive series? Unfortunately, not in the slightest.

In a vacuum, sure, I’m excited to watch the Bulls in the Play-In Tournament. Ever since the league’s inception of the postseason event, it’s produced some really entertaining games. The whole do-or-die nature of the contest should make for an enjoyable product. Add in the context around this specific game and the status of the organization, however, and this season basically feels like it’s already over. The Play-In should have never had to be the goal. And, particularly if they’re bounced immediately, it’s just going to be all the more frustrating that the Bulls didn’t revert course at the trade deadline and do everything they could to try to keep their first-round pick.

Speaking of which, the Dallas Mavericks couldn’t have been more obvious about their intentions to lose last night’s game. Not only did they sit basically half of their rotation, but Luka Doncic finished his night after just 13 minutes of action. On one hand, I think the organization did the right thing. The Kyrie Irving trade clearly wasn’t leading to better production. More importantly, they understood that keeping their top-10 protected pick (which they’re now in a position to do) was likely a better outcome than trying to make it out of the Play-In Tournament alive as a 10 seed.

On the other hand, the way they went about this whole thing was still incredibly embarrassing. Doncic is one of the best players on the planet. Any season where he misses the playoffs while averaging MVP-caliber numbers is reprehensible. And, if anyone could make it out of Play-In alive, it would likely be someone as talented as Doncic. We also can’t forget how much they gave up for Irving, who failed to help them secure a playoff series and could now leave in free agency. Again, I can understand prioritizing draft capital, but they should have done that earlier. Deciding to give up in game 81 of the season with that kind of talent just gives me an icky feeling.

It’s also a bummer that the Mavs threw that game because a loss for Chicago would’ve actually been a best-case scenario. As I continue to bring up, losing these final two games would actually give the Bulls a significantly better chance of keeping their first-overall pick in the event that they also lose the first Play-In game. Indeed, they could have improved their odds at a top-4 pick to 13.9 percent by losing these next two. But they currently sit at just an 8.0 percent chance (and it could fall even lower with a win tomorrow), per Tankathon.

I have to be honest, I don’t know how much I should talk about last night’s game. When we consider how little both teams cared about the outcome, it’s hard to analyze whether the strong performances from Coby White and Patrick Williams meant anything. Each player had some really nice individual moments, and I want to get excited about those moments! But I’ve also fallen into the trap of buying into games like these before (*cough* Patrick Williams’ 35-point showing in the final game of the 2021-22 regular season *cough*).

Having said all of that, Coby White’s performance might mean at least a little something when we consider what else he’s done off the bench over the last month. Over his previous 12 games, he’s averaged 14.9 points with 5.5 assists. The eye test has told us that this is easily some of the best two-way and high-IQ basketball that he’s played. And it was encouraging to see this continue when given an even greater opportunity last night. I really did think the Bulls would trade him at the deadline or let him walk this summer. But I now think there could be a chance for them to re-sign him on a very team-friendly deal. The facilitating has been particularly promising and could be something that is desperately needed with Lonzo Ball’s career in jeopardy.

Coby White balled out in Dallas tonight.

24 points | 10-17 FG | 7 reb | 11 ast pic.twitter.com/n0dzFDK4KB
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 8, 2023

*tries not to get too hyped about PWill stepback*

THE PAW IS STEPPING BACK 🤑 pic.twitter.com/Iu01NN7ial
— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) April 8, 2023

Here’s a question I have for the Bulls: Why did Alex Caruso play 18 minutes last night? He’s been one of their most banged-up players during the last month and a half. We know for a fact he’ll have to play through his foot injury for the remainder of the season. Why put more strain on that foot in a meaningless game? If there is anyone who should be sitting right now, it should be him.

Can you believe that Marko Simonovic couldn’t even see a minute of time in yesterday’s game? Both the Bulls’ players on a two-way contract – Carlik Jones and Terry Taylor – saw at least 12 minutes of action. The big man who is on a full-time contract really couldn’t see the same? Nothing will compare to the absurd amount of money the Bulls’ previous front office gave Cristiano Felicio, but that dude appeared in at least 18 games in every season he was in Chicago. Simonovic has appeared in 15 games total since joining the team ahead of 2021-22. I have nothing against him personally, but that signing has so far been a waste of a roster spot.

Uh, wow!

All 3 Texas teams will miss the NBA playoffs for the first time in HISTORY 🤯

(h/t @MavsMuse) pic.twitter.com/mDFwJ28ung
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 8, 2023

It’s so hard not to love the Thunder’s roster.

The Thunder made the play-in with an average team age of 22.8 😮 pic.twitter.com/BzPKs4dPM7
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 8, 2023

Do you think Pat Bev is here next year?

Slow feet don’t eat 🍽️ @PatBev21 pic.twitter.com/5vcMHNgv6i
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 8, 2023

The draft is getting closer!

Chicago Bears Draft Priorities Are Coming into Focus

All 32 teams take the ice today!

HUGE Hockey Saturday, Toews’ Workload, Fantilli Honored, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

written by

Elias Schuster

Elias Schuster is the Lead Chicago Bulls writer at Bleacher Nation. He started with BN full-time in 2019 immediately after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a degree in Journalism (yes, he started with the Jim Boylen Era). Since joining, Elias has been the driving force behind Bulls and NBA content for both the site and social accounts. You can follow him on Twitter/X @Schuster_Elias.

more bulls news

Chicago Bulls

Even With Butler Out, the Bulls Will Have Their Hands Full Against the Heat

The Miami Heat are a better team than the Chicago Bulls. We can all agree on that, right? We're talking about a franchise with three trips to the Eastern Conference Finals in four seasons. This included last year's historic run,...

The Miami Marlins (4-15) kick off a four-game series on Friday against the Chicago Cubs (11-7). The contest starts at 2:20 PM ET at Wrigley Field.The Cubs will look to Jameson Taillon versus the Marlins and Andrew Jacob Puk (0-3).Cubs...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Reds vs. Angels: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Spencer Steer and the Cincinnati Reds (9-9) host Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels (9-10) on Friday in a series opener, with first pitch at 6:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

NBA Picks

Kings vs. Pelicans Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans take the court to start the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. The Kings are favored by 1.5 points in the contest, which airs on TNT at 9:30 PM ET. The over/under...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Nick Foligno Calls Out Blackhawks Teammates, Says Changes Are Needed

The Blackhawks put the worst regular season of more than 70 games in the history of the franchise to bed on Thursday night in a manner that sums up the season fairly well. Connor Murphy was banged up and Nikita...

Tab Bamford

Apr 19, 2024

NBA Playoffs Odds - Mavs vs. Clippers 1st Round

NBA

2024 NBA Playoffs Odds: Mavs vs Clippers Odds to Win Series, Spreads, Lines

It's a first-round matchup with a history of fireworks! The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers lock horns once again in the NBA Playoffs. This year marks the third time in five years these two teams meet in the opening...

Brian Twining

Apr 19, 2024

NBA

2024 NBA Playoffs Odds: Pacers vs Bucks Odds to Win Series, Spreads, Lines

The NBA Playoffs are here, and the Eastern Conference first-round ignites with a clash of styles. The Indiana Pacers, boasting the league's top-scoring offense, bring their high-octane attack to Milwaukee to face the experienced Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo's status adds further...

Brian Twining

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Pirates vs. Red Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Pittsburgh Pirates (11-8), led by Bryan Reynolds, host Jarren Duran and the Boston Red Sox (10-10) at 6:40 PM ET on Friday in a series opener.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for TV and streaming options...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Padres vs. Blue Jays: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Friday, Matt Waldron will start for the San Diego Padres (11-10) against Yariel Rodriguez and the Toronto Blue Jays (10-9), with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at PETCO Park.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Giants vs. Diamondbacks: Live Stream or on TV

Michael Conforto and the San Francisco Giants (9-11) host Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks (9-11) on Friday, with first pitch at 10:15 PM ET.Keep reading to see how to watch the San Francisco-Arizona matchup below.When is Giants vs. Diamondbacks...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Dodgers vs. Mets: Live Stream or on TV

The Los Angeles Dodgers (12-9), who will give the start to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, host the New York Mets (10-8) with Sean Manaea on the hill, Friday at 10:10 PM ET.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

Play-In Schedule, Should We Be Excited? Coby White Showing Promise, and Other Bulls Bullets

Read More

more bulls news

Latest News

more bulls news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular