It’s Play-In Time … and Other Bulls Bullets

I don’t want to be excited considering this is a battle between a 9 and 10 seed … BUT GOSH DARN IT I’M READY FOR SOME POSTSEASON HOOPS!

  • While this is likely fueled by bias rather than logic, I’ve leaned more toward the Bulls winning this game over the last 24 hours. Of course, I have some pretty major concerns about the Raptors’ offensive rebounding ability and defensive length. But we also shouldn’t ignore how well the Bulls have played since the All-Star break! They have been a pretty stellar defensive team themselves, and I do expect them to make a rather limited Raptors offense work for every shot. If they’re able to control the basketball and not allow Toronto to get into a rhythm by scoring points off turnovers, I like the Bulls’ chances to hit one or two more big buckets down the stretch.

  • Toronto has averaged the seventh-worst field goal percentage in the NBA since the All-Star break and the third-worst 3-point percentage. They’ve especially struggled to hit shots down the stretch, finishing with the third-worst offensive rating in clutch situations. They’ve gone just 4-6 in clutch games since mid-February, while the Bulls have gone a much-improved 5-3.

  • Unlike in the earlier portion of this season, I actually like Chicago’s chances if it comes down to the wire. Whether it be Coby White’s recent shotmaking off the bench, Zach LaVine’s willingness to attack the rim, or DeMar DeRozan’s knack for hitting the big shot, I trust the Bulls’ offensive weapons a little more than what the Raptors have to offer. Cleaning the Glass has the Raptors’ halfcourt offense averaging the 6th-fewest points per 100 possessions. Meanwhile, the Bulls rank 9th in that department. Don’t get me wrong, Chicago is still far better when they’re getting out in transition, but they could have the edge if they can turn this game into an ugly halfcourt battle.

  • Having said that, I am pretty terrified of Pascal Siakam. Missing two of the three meetings this year, the Bulls didn’t get a full taste of what the versatile forward is capable of this season. He is averaging 24.2 points and 5.8 assists per game (both career highs). While his 3-point stroke has dipped, he is shooting a career-high 72 percent at the rim, per Cleaning the Glass. The Bulls are most likely going to start this game undersized with Caruso and Beverley, so how they plan to approach the Siakam matchup will be key. FWIW: I would expect that we still see a few more Patrick Williams minutes than expected in hopes that he can help manage Siakam.

  • I wrote a pretty hefty preview of this game that you can read here. There is undoubtedly a recipe for the Bulls to win, but it’s going to start with limiting turnovers and offensive rebounds.

  • If the Bulls are able to outlast the Raptors, they will meet the Heat for a chance to clinch a first-round series. I watched the bulk of last night’s Heat-Hawks game and was pretty darn shocked by how flat Miami looked from the start. Rarely do you see a team bully Jimmy Butler’s squad, but that’s exactly what the Hawks were able to do on the glass and in the paint. While I’d be a little bit worried about an angry Miami team coming on the court Friday night, there is no question they looked very beatable last night.

  • Talk your talk, Dejounte.

https://twitter.com/DejounteMurray/status/1645970193141596162?s=20

  • The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry and Eric Koreen teamed up for a preview of tonight’s game. The two ended up not siding with the teams they cover. Nothing says you’re a beat reporter for a painfully average organization quite like that! Make sure to give it a read here.

  • Good News: The Bulls have a completely clean injury report (besides the obvious Lonzo Ball injury)! I’ll still have a close eye on how Alex Caruso looks as he continues to play through his foot issue, but I’m assuming a little less playing time over the past couple of games of the regular season helped him out. DeRozan will also require a little extra attention. He isn’t known to be dealing with anything right now, but we have seen his quad act up at times this season. I worry slightly about that in a game that is expected to be pretty darn physical.

  • By the way, if you want an extended preview of tonight’s game, feel free to give my podcast with Ro Schaefer of The Athletic and NBA dot com a listen. The show was supposed to be about all the Play-In games, but (shocker) the two Bulls guys ended up talking about that matchup for about 30 minutes. Listen on Spotify here and Apple here.

  • I’ll gladly take some protection for Justin Fields.

  • Can the Cubs make up for Swanson’s bat being out of the lineup?

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Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
โ€ข
Feb 10, 2025
Alex Bregman

Should Cubs Use the Rest of Their Budget Now, or Later at the Trade Deadline?

Yesterday at The Athletic, Patrick Mooney wrote: "For the Cubs to sign (Alex) Bregman, he would probably have to lower his expectations from a six- or seven-year deal to a shorter-term contract structure with opt-out clauses." And privately, I can tell you that I've heard something similar. From what I gather, the Cubs' role in the Alex Bregman sweepstakes is almost exclusively as an alternative to the contract structure he's...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 10, 2025

The Milwaukee Brewers Will Honor Bob Uecker on Their Uniforms This Season

Not that I'm in the business of giving props to the Milwaukee Brewers, but I had to nod in their direction for the very good decision to honor Bob Uecker all season with a patch on their uniform. The long-time baseball man, broadcaster, and entertainer passed away last month, and the Brewers already stand ready to honor him. I respect it. And it looks good, too: For Ueck 💙 pic.twitter.com/gvyQSAriwx—...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 10, 2025

Are the Cubs Finished Making Moves? The Front Office Speaks

Good luck getting Cubs President Jed Hoyer or Cubs GM Carter Hawkins to firmly commit to anything about the roster at a press conference. But I understand that the questions have to be asked, and the information in response, however thin, has to be shared. Having watched the full spring kick-off press conference with Hoyer and Hawkins (embedded below), here are the quick notes on anything transaction related: The Cubs...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 10, 2025

Imanaga in Japan, Hoerner and Shortstop, Suzuki and DH, First Day, and Other Cubs Bullets

That game confirmed that the biggest sports moment of the day was Cubs pitchers and catchers reporting. We knew it from the jump. Speaking of the game, owing to its timing, I must confess that I was not able to cover the spring opener press conferences from the front office and from Craig Counsell like I normally would (why would you schedule those for immediately before the Super Bowl?!), but...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 09, 2025

The Catchers Part of Pitchers and Catchers, Morning Arrivals, and Other Cubs Bullets

Super Bowl prediction: nachos and ice cream and stiff-arming kids that demand my attention. Spring Training officially begins today, with Cubs pitchers and catchers reporting to Mesa, Arizona. Of course, the majority of them have been in Mesa working already for a long time, but we have to set the "official" line somewhere. So we set it today, and we say welcome to the 2025 Cubs season. Among the catchers...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 09, 2025
Get in the game with the BetMGM Promo Code

THE BIG DAY IS HERE! (No, Not That One)

You wait for months and months for this days. When, after so much patience and build up, the happiest day of the year arrives. When it finally happens. CHICAGO CUBS PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT TO SPRING TRAINING TODAY!!! ... what, you were thinking of something else happening today? Thanks to the Tokyo Series, which will see the Cubs open up the 2025 MLB season early in Japan against the Dodgers...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 08, 2025

What the Cubs Can Still Do, More Old Friends Sign, Spring Training Visuals, and Other Cubs Bullets

Everybody else was doing it, so I thought I would go ahead and get sick. As a treat. Pitchers and catchers officially report tomorrow, marking the nominal beginning of Spring Training. The Cubs' roster may or may not be complete at this point, but you'd strongly prefer not to make any dramatic changes once things really really get rolling - it just seems like more times than not, you see...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025

Chicago Cubs Announce Non-Roster Invites to 2025 Spring Training

As expected, the Chicago Cubs today announced their non-roster invites to big league Spring Training. The full list is below, with the reminder that these are the NON-40-MAN players who are coming to big league camp. So if you're wondering where someone obvious is, pretty good bet they're on the 40-man, so, yes, they'll be there. You know the minor league deal veterans already, but there are a host of...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Alex Bregman

Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch: Cubs Remain Involved, But Level-Setting Harder to Say

There's not a whole lot doing yet today on the Alex Bregman front, but there are a few updates to share, at least. First, from Bruce Levine, who says the Cubs are still working at it and seems to imply that some members of the organization might be trying to convince other members of the organization that a certain level of deal is worth it or not: Cubs remain in...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025

What About Lefty Jalen Beeks As an Additional Depth Option for the Cubs?

The Athletic did a thing where they picked an available free a gent for each of the 30 MLB teams, and although I want to underscore that there's no "rumor" here, I did find the selection for the Cubs to be sufficiently interesting to merit a discussion. Particularly after going through the entire collection of bullpen options for the Cubs yesterday and noting how few of them throw lefty. Which...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 10, 2025
bears quarterback Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears 2025 Schedule: Here Is Who They’ll Play Next Year

If you are already looking forward to next year, then you are in the right place. And if you already have your eyes on what is next for the Chicago Bears, then just know that I can't blame you one bit because I feel similarly. After all, anything feels possible after watching the Philadelphia Eagles de-throne the Kansas City Chiefs on Super Bowl Sunday. But if the Bears are going...

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Chicago Bears
Matt Rooney
โ€ข
Feb 10, 2025

2025 NFL Mock Draft: First Post-Super Bowl Mock Has New Top Overall Pick, Bears Miss Out On Top OL

The Philadelphia Eagles are officially Super Bowl Champions! With the NFL season officially over, it's time to turn our attention to the offseason. What better way to do that than with a 2025 NFL Mock Draft? The NFL Draft order is officially set (except for the compensatory picks that will be announced later), let's get to our latest mock as the offseason is officially underway. 2025 NFL Mock Draft Mandatory...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 10, 2025
vic fangio super bowl eagles bears

Vic Fangio’s Time to Shine, Kendrick vs. Drake Beef Explained, New Scorebug, Grade Tom Brady, and Other Super Bowl Hangover Bullets

It's Day 36 of the Chicago Bears offseason. A new Super Bowl champion was crowned on Sunday, and I have thoughts about what transpired at the Superdome in New Orleans. Super Bowl LIX was reminiscent of Super Bowl XX in many ways. Both games were played in New Orleans in the Superdome. Both games were won by NFC teams beating an AFC opponent whose string of good fortune came to...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 09, 2025
When channel is the Super Bowl on

Super Bowl LIX: Chiefs vs. Eagles – Lineups, Inactives, How to Watch, More

Finally! Super Bowl Sunday is HERE! That always-harrowing bye week is over. And it is just about time to find out the answers to all of our burning questions. What song will Kendrick Lamar play first? How many Taylor Swift cutaways will FOX have in stock? And who will reign supreme between the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles? There is so much star...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 09, 2025
trey smith chiefs bears

Four Super Bowl Participants Who Make Sense as Bears Free Agent Targets

The sooner Super Bowl LIX ends, the sooner we can throw ourselves fully into what figures to be another fascinating offseason for the Chicago Bears. Perhaps Sunday's showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs will feature some players who are future Bears. And maybe the addition of one (or two) of these players could one day elevate Chicago's football team to Super Bowl glory. We have got a...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 09, 2025
Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers Finds a Way to Make Super Bowl Sunday All About Him

Death. Taxes. And Aaron Rodgers attempting to steal the spotlight because no one is talking about him. Those are life's three guarantees. I'm sorry you had to hear it from me, but I'd rather you learn about it here than somewhere else. Today is Super Bowl Sunday. It is a day in which we shouldn't be thinking about Aaron Rodgers. And yet, Aaron Rodgers news always finds a way to...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 09, 2025
Caleb Williams bears quarterback - Bears playoff odds

More Virginia McCaskey Tributes, Bears Best Plays, NFL Rumors, Ref Favoritism? And Other Super Bowl Sunday Bullets

It's Day 35 of the Chicago Bears offseason. As a pretzel lover, this recipe from my friend Jim looks like a perfect Super Bowl snack โ€” and it can be made in less than an hour! Let's start this Super Bowl set of BN Bears Bullets with another touching tribute to Virginia Halas McCaskey: https://youtu.be/N2PHv4OsEvM?si=smwpibeY84OPfXIO What a well-done job by the Bears multi-media team. The folks on that stuff deserve...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 08, 2025

2025 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: The Chicago Bears Return to Old School Football

The 2025 NFL Draft is 75 days away. As of right now, the Chicago Bears have eight picks โ€”ย including four in the top 75. How this team goes about using its picks remains to be determined. And while what happens in free agency will go a long way toward determining how the Bears move on NFL Draft Weekend, it is never too early to look at what league insiders, analysts,...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 08, 2025

R.I.P. Dick Jauron, Roger Goodell Talks Bears Stadium Deal and More, and Other Saturday Bullets

Day 34 of the Chicago Bears offseason. My friend Jim shared this recipe for Oreo Bourbon Balls, which he says are the ultimate no-bake treat. It sure as heck seems like this would be the perfect thing to whip up quickly in a pinch for a Super Bowl party. Some somber news at the top with the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs reporting on the death of former Bears coach Dick...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Boise State takes on San Diego St. tonight

Ashton Jeanty Sees the Chicago Bears as a Potential Landing Spot

I am coming around to the idea of Ashton Jeanty lining up next to Caleb Williams in the Chicago Bears backfield. Don't get it twisted. I know the Bears have needs in the trenches on both sides of the line of scrimmage. But if General Manager Ryan Poles can plug those holes in March when free agency opens its doors, then it could open things up for the team to...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 10, 2025
Nikola Vucevic of the Chicago Bulls, Warriors trade target

Resetting Expectations, Some Nikola Vucevic Concerns, Great Nate Robinson News, and Other Bulls Bullets

The NFL season has officially come to an (unceremonious) end, and you know what that means ... IT IS OFFICIALLY BASKETBALL SEASON, BABY! All-Star Weekend, superstars on new teams, a tight race in the West, and Matas Buzelis' historic second-half Rookie of the Year run! What more could you ask for? In all seriousness, while I think there are MANY captivating NBA storylines to follow over the next few months,...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 09, 2025

A Perfect Tank Loss, A Great Matas Buzelis Performance, Coby White’s Free Throws, and Other Bulls Bullets

Is Billy Donovan actually an elite tanker? Catching up with some long-time friends on Saturday night, good-guy co-worker Matt took the game off my hands. With that being the case, I'm sure you can imagine my surprise when I glanced down at the gamecast to see the Bulls up 24 points and seemingly in complete control. Were the Warriors really going to start the Jimmy Butler era with an embarrassing...

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Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
โ€ข
Feb 08, 2025

Box Score & Player Grades: Warriors 132, Bulls 111 โ€“ February 8, 2025

I just don't have any clue what to expect from this Bulls team. I came into tonight expecting Jimmy Butler to go off and the Warriors to control the game en route to an easy win. Not exactly what we saw in this one! Well, at least in the first half. After a bit of a meh first few minutes from the Bulls, we saw a fantastic finish to the...

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Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
โ€ข
Feb 08, 2025
Chicago Bulls

Pre-Gaminโ€™: Warriors at Bulls (7:00 CT) โ€“ Projected Lineups, How to Watch, More

Jimmy Butler is back at the United Center! https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls/2025/02/07/jimmy-butler-debut-0207/ Game Info Golden State Warriors (25-26) at Chicago Bulls (22-30) โ€“ 7:00 p.m. CT on Chicago Sports Network (TV) andย 670 The Scoreย (Radio) Lineups Chicago Bulls Coby White Ayo Dosunmu Josh Giddey Patrick Williams Nikola Vucevic Golden State Warriors Steph Curry Buddy Hield Jimmy Butler Draymond Green Quinten Post ยฉ Jim Rassol-Imagn Images Odds Chicago comes into todayโ€™s game as a 6-point...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 08, 2025

Meet the Chicago Bulls’ Newbies (and Other Bulls Bullets)

It only feels right that the Chicago Bulls' first game after the trade deadline will pit them against the new-look Golden State Warriors. After weeks upon weeks of rumors connecting the Western Conference squad to Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, they snubbed the Bulls in favor of their former franchise centerpiece. I'm sure most of us expected Butler to come out motivated, but kicking off this new era where it...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025

So the Bulls Are Rebuilding, Right? Here is Arturas Karnisovas’ Answer

Chicago Bulls fans didn't get many answers at this trade deadline, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. Confronted with a seemingly confused group of local reporters on Thursday afternoon, Arturas Karnisovas was pressed about the organization's philosophy. He fielded repeated questions about their failure to accumulate additional assets and the franchise's sense of urgency to improve their lottery odds ahead of a wildly praised 2025 NBA Draft. The...

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Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Jimmy Butler Intro Warriors

Of Course Jimmy Butler is Expected to Make His Warriors Debut in Chicago

In a twist of fate that will only further irk Bulls fans, Jimmy Butler is expected to make his Warriors debut on Saturday night at the United Center. Butler, of course, was traded by the Heat to the Warriors a night before the trade deadline. He also agreed to a two-year, $121 million contract extension with Golden State shortly after the deal was announced. https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/status/1887698672286376408 Jimmy Butler's Return A Stark...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025

AK Can’t Pick a Lane, So Many Guards, Torrey Craig Finds a New Team, and Other Bulls Bullets

The Chicago Bulls served as a generous portion of Nothing Pie during each of the last three NBA trade deadlines. This year, the slice at least had some whipped cream on top. I'm not going to go as far as saying that Arturas Karnisovas deserves credit for moving on from Zach LaVine, but it was a box that desperately needed to be checked. The problem is that making that move...

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Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025

Warriors Reportedly Tried to Strike Last Second Deal with Bulls for Nikola Vucevic … But Nothing

The trade deadline came and went yesterday without any additional moves by the Bulls. Obviously, they were able to deal Zach LaVine for a somewhat underwhelming return on Sunday. But hey, at least they were finally taking the leap and selling off pieces, right? Guess again! While moving on from Zach LaVine was an unfortunate but necessary decision, the handling of the rest of the roster felt like yet another...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

It’s All Still A Big Hot Mess for the Chicago Bulls

I had a fresh bouquet ready to deliver to the Chicago Bulls' offices at the Advocate Center on Thursday afternoon. Instead, a singular tulip petal has been left at reception. Arturas Karnisovas roped everybody in when finally striking a deal for two-time All-Star Zach LaVine. Joining the De'Aaron Fox trade to San Antonio, the return left a little to be desired but still handed the Bulls some much-needed future flexibility....

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 10, 2025
Lukas Reichel Chicago Blackhawks

Intrigue, Questions, Hope Surround Blackhawks 2020 NHL Draft Class

As we continue to focus on the Blackhawks' rebuild, it's important to recognize that there were some pieces in the cupboard before the organ-I-zation changed general managers. And one of the draft classes that's stacking up to be one of the more intriguing in the immediate future took place at one of the most awkward times in the history of the NHL. Because of the COVID pandemic, the 2020 NHL...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 10, 2025
Teuvo Teravainen Chicago Blackhawks

Teuvo Terรคvรคinen Appreciation, Del Mastro to Rockford, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Chicago Blackhawks have but one representative heading to the 4 Nations Face-Off this week. Teuvo Terรคvรคinen will skate for Finland. So, with no Blackhawks anything happening for the next week or so outside of those games and with the Super Bowl overwhelming the sports world yesterday, let's take a moment to chat about the return of Turbo this season. A great zone entry from the Foligno line leads to...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 09, 2025
Connor Bedard Ryan Donato Teuvo Teravainen Chicago Blackhawks

Consistent Bedard, More Donato, Where are the Young D? Prospect Highlights, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks closed their pre-break schedule with another tough loss. They were really good in the first period... and then the wheels seemingly fell off in the second (again). The second period has been an issue for the Blackhawks all season, but this was like they decided to splice a period of the game tape from the Florida game into the middle of an otherwise solid performance. Connor Bedard goes...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 08, 2025
Alec Martinez Craig Smith Seth Jones Lukas Reichel Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks 5, Blues 6 (SO) โ€” Three Stars, Key Takeaways

Remember when the Blackhawks played the Blues outdoors almost six weeks ago and it didn't go very well. That game has been sitting in the minds of the guys who played in it since then. Frank Nazar mentioned payback after the game on Friday night in Chicago. And the opening 20 minutes looked like the Blackhawks had something in store for the Blues. Two goals 38 seconds apart staked the...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 08, 2025
Alex Vlasic Chicago Blackhawks 2025 Winter Classic

Blackhawks at Blues โ€” Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

The Blackhawks close out their schedule before the 4 Nations Face-Off break in St. Louis -- and they'll be wearing their Winter Classic look (big fan of red on the road). Here's hoping the guys in the room feel like they owe the Blues a game because the last time they wore these jerseys against them it was the pathetic display at Wrigley Field. Broadcast Info Puck Drop: 6:00 PM CTTV...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 08, 2025
Ryan Donato Alex Vlasic Chicago Blackhawks

Donato’s Hot, Pond Hockey Claps Back, Slaggert’s a Dog, Lardis Hits 50, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

โ€œHeโ€™s hotter than burnt toast.โ€ That's how Seth Jones described Ryan Donato after his first career four-point game last night. Donato has been so good all year; his work ethic is precisely what you want young players to emulate when they get to the NHL. Seeing him get the rewards in the box score for working his ass off is great. But it presents a tough decision for the Blackhawks'...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Pat Maroon Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks 6, Predators 2 โ€” Three Stars, Key Takeaways

The first seven minutes of this game were melatonin on ice. But then Alex Vlasic made something happen and the Blackhawks took a 1-0 lead... which they held for a whopping 19 seconds. Thankfully, the Blackhawks got the lead back almost exactly six minutes later and held onto it until the end of the first period. The Blackhawks killed a penalty to open the second period and cashed in on...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Ethan Del Mastro Frank Nazar Alec Martinez Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks vs Predators โ€” Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

The Blackhawks have two games -- in two days -- left before the 4 Nations Face-Off break and things got a lot harder with the loss of Jason Dickinson on Wednesday night. Both games are against struggling division rivals, so we'll see if the Hawks can put together a full 60-minute game tonight and get a win against a Predators team that's massively underwhelming after a big summer. Broadcast Info...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Connor Bedard Nick Foligno

Life Without Dickinson, the Plan in Net, Wirtz on McCaskey, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks play their final home game before the two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off tonight with the Nashville Predators in town. Unfortunately, the Blackhawks will have to face a team that, despite their awful record, is still offensively gifted with names like Stamkos and Forsberg out there. And the Blackhawks will have to do it without Jason Dickinson. We got some relatively encouraging news on Dickinson on Thursday,...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 07, 2025
Connor Bedard Chicago Blackhawks

Let’s Talk About the Connor Bedard Criticism

So we'll just go ahead and get the Friday party started with the topic du jour in Chicago and beyond in the hockey world lately. Let's all criticize Connor Bedard! Over the weekend, Mark Messier hopped on ESPN and threw some shade at Bedard. He went as far as to say the Blackhawks should take ice time away from Bedard because of what Messier perceived as less-than-full effort defensively on...

written by

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.

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The NFL season has officially come to an (unceremonious) end, and you know what that means ... IT IS OFFICIALLY BASKETBALL SEASON, BABY! All-Star Weekend, superstars on new teams, a tight race in the West, and Matas Buzelis' historic second-half...

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Box Score & Player Grades: Warriors 132, Bulls 111 โ€“ February 8, 2025

I just don't have any clue what to expect from this Bulls team. I came into tonight expecting Jimmy Butler to go off and the Warriors to control the game en route to an easy win. Not exactly what we...

Pre-Gaminโ€™: Warriors at Bulls (7:00 CT) โ€“ Projected Lineups, How to Watch, More

Jimmy Butler is back at the United Center! https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls/2025/02/07/jimmy-butler-debut-0207/ Game Info Golden State Warriors (25-26) at Chicago Bulls (22-30) โ€“ 7:00 p.m. CT on Chicago Sports Network (TV) andย 670 The Scoreย (Radio) Lineups Chicago Bulls Coby White Ayo Dosunmu Josh Giddey...

Meet the Chicago Bulls’ Newbies (and Other Bulls Bullets)

It only feels right that the Chicago Bulls' first game after the trade deadline will pit them against the new-look Golden State Warriors. After weeks upon weeks of rumors connecting the Western Conference squad to Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic,...

So the Bulls Are Rebuilding, Right? Here is Arturas Karnisovas’ Answer

Chicago Bulls fans didn't get many answers at this trade deadline, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. Confronted with a seemingly confused group of local reporters on Thursday afternoon, Arturas Karnisovas was pressed about the organization's philosophy. He...

Of Course Jimmy Butler is Expected to Make His Warriors Debut in Chicago

In a twist of fate that will only further irk Bulls fans, Jimmy Butler is expected to make his Warriors debut on Saturday night at the United Center. Butler, of course, was traded by the Heat to the Warriors a...

AK Can’t Pick a Lane, So Many Guards, Torrey Craig Finds a New Team, and Other Bulls Bullets

The Chicago Bulls served as a generous portion of Nothing Pie during each of the last three NBA trade deadlines. This year, the slice at least had some whipped cream on top. I'm not going to go as far as...

Warriors Reportedly Tried to Strike Last Second Deal with Bulls for Nikola Vucevic … But Nothing

The trade deadline came and went yesterday without any additional moves by the Bulls. Obviously, they were able to deal Zach LaVine for a somewhat underwhelming return on Sunday. But hey, at least they were finally taking the leap and...

It’s All Still A Big Hot Mess for the Chicago Bulls

I had a fresh bouquet ready to deliver to the Chicago Bulls' offices at the Advocate Center on Thursday afternoon. Instead, a singular tulip petal has been left at reception. Arturas Karnisovas roped everybody in when finally striking a deal...

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Chicago Bears 2025 Schedule: Here Is Who They’ll Play Next Year

If you are already looking forward to next year, then you are in the right place. And if you already have your eyes on what is next for the Chicago Bears, then just know that I can't blame you one...

The Milwaukee Brewers Will Honor Bob Uecker on Their Uniforms This Season

Not that I'm in the business of giving props to the Milwaukee Brewers, but I had to nod in their direction for the very good decision to honor Bob Uecker all season with a patch on their uniform. The long-time...

Resetting Expectations, Some Nikola Vucevic Concerns, Great Nate Robinson News, and Other Bulls Bullets

The NFL season has officially come to an (unceremonious) end, and you know what that means ... IT IS OFFICIALLY BASKETBALL SEASON, BABY! All-Star Weekend, superstars on new teams, a tight race in the West, and Matas Buzelis' historic second-half...

Top Player Prop Bets for Nets vs. Hornets on February 10, 2025

Player prop betting options for Nic Claxton, Miles Bridges and others are available in the Brooklyn Nets-Charlotte Hornets matchup at Barclays Center on Monday (starting at 7:30 PM ET).How to Watch Nets vs. HornetsDate: Monday, February 10, 2025Time: 7:30 PM...

Should Cubs Use the Rest of Their Budget Now, or Later at the Trade Deadline?

Yesterday at The Athletic, Patrick Mooney wrote: "For the Cubs to sign (Alex) Bregman, he would probably have to lower his expectations from a six- or seven-year deal to a shorter-term contract structure with opt-out clauses." And privately, I can...

2025 NFL Draft Order: List of First Round Picks for Every Team

The NFL Draft is a pivotal moment for franchises, a chance to reshape their rosters and build for future success. With the Philadelphia Eagles emerging victorious over the Kansas City Chiefs last night, the 2025 NFL Draft order is officially...

Svajda vs. Norrie Prediction at the Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com – Monday, February 10

In a match scheduled for Monday, Cameron Norrie (No. 61 in rankings) will meet Zachary Svajda (No. 169) in the Round of 32 at the Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com.With -250 odds, Norrie is the favorite against Svajda (+190) in...

Quinn vs. Boyer Prediction at the Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com – Monday, February 10

In the Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com Round of 32 on Monday, No. 150-ranked Ethan Quinn takes on No. 113 Tristan Boyer.In this matchup, Boyer is favored (-175) versus Quinn (+135) .Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com InfoTournament: The Delray Beach...

Muller vs. Djere Prediction at the Argentina Open – Monday, February 10

On Monday, Alexandre Muller (No. 58 in the world) takes on Laslo Djere (No. 112) in the Round of 32 at the Argentina Open.In this match against Muller (+140), Djere is favored with -180 odds.Argentina Open InfoTournament: The Argentina OpenRound:...

Trotter vs. Nakashima Prediction at the Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com – Monday, February 10

In a match slated for Monday, Brandon Nakashima (No. 43 in rankings) will face James Kent Trotter (No. 182) in the Round of 32 at the Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com.Nakashima is getting -295 odds to beat Trotter (+220).Delray Beach...

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