Few things are more polarizing in Chicago than the Bulls. But snow might be one of those things!
See, I’m a big fan. I’m truly the happiest during the winter months and often joke that have reverse seasonal depression disorder. Maybe that’s because I’m a winter baby or perhaps it has something to do with basketball being on every night.
Regardless, I know that’s a hot (or freezing cold?) take, and I’m reminded of that during the first snowfall each year. As I station myself to work by the window and watch the flakes fall, folks like Angel Reese and Dalen Terry are a little less enchanted.
- As expected, the news only got worse for Patrick Williams on Wednesday. Following the team’s announcement that he wouldn’t make the trip up north and receive imaging on his foot, they shared that a multi-game absence is in his future. Williams has already been ruled out for this weekend’s back-to-back, and it sure sounds like he’ll miss at least a couple of more games next week.
- Williams is experiencing inflammation on the same foot he received surgery on last season. I know, concerning! All we can do now is hope that this subsides with some rest, but I’ve been through too many of these frustrating injury updates to hold my breath. Between both Williams and LaVine, we watched the Bulls continue to extend their time on the injury report before ultimately announcing that both would undergo surgery. Obviously, I’m knocking on all the wood I can find that this isn’t what Williams will experience this time around. But the Bulls have never been particularly good at providing legitimate timetables for a return. It truly feels like Williams could be out a week … or a month.
- Speaking of which, we can add another week to Lonzo Ball’s injury stint. Billy Donovan told reporters on Wednesday that he has not been able to ramp up beyond shooting. Prior to that, we heard that doctors originally said the recovery could take anywhere between two to six weeks! UGH.
- Unlike the first time the Bulls and Bucks’ met, last night felt like a far more familiar outing. Zach LaVine was the only player to find an offensive rhythm, while the Bulls’ defense had zero way of keeping Milwaukee out of the paint. This made the game plan for the Bucks pretty darn simple, as attacking relentlessly off the dribble became the priority. Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated in the third quarter, scoring 25 points in those 12 minutes. Milwaukee also finished with a +20 advantage in points in the paint and a +24 advantage in free throw attempts. Not a winning formula if you ask me!
- What made this game even more frustrating was the fact that Billy Donovan STILL refused to hand Matas Buzelis some extra minutes. Despite Patrick Williams being stuck on the injury report, Buzelis played only 6 minutes! Was this a tough matchup for the rookie? Sure, but does that mean he shouldn’t even get a chance? With Williams now sidelined for multiple games, this is the perfect opportunity to let Buzelis run free. It’s already ridiculous that he ranks 26th in minutes played among the 2024 draft class. More on that here …
- With that said, I tip my cap to Torrey Craig. He proved to be the ultimate professional on Wednesday night, going from just three appearances this season to an impressive performance in the starting lineup. He scored 7 of the team’s first 13 points and ended the night as the Bulls’ second-leading scorer. The two-way hustle was something the Bulls desperately needed to stay alive in this game. Now, does he need to play almost 28 minutes a game with Williams out? No. A handful of those minutes should go to Buzelis. But he still likely secured the starting spot over the next few games. Let’s boost that trade value, Torrey!
- I miss this man so much …
- While we already knew how special Alex Caruso was on the defensive end, nothing makes you appreciate it more than watching Josh Giddey in his place. The guard is really going through it over this last week or so, and it’s raising real concerns about whether or not he deserves to stay in the starting lineup. Even Doris Burke couldn’t help but call him out for his defensive lapses during the game. Not a great look.
- Michael Jordan is a madman …
- I know the feeling!
- This, this, and more of this. So many people who try to knock Michael Jordan point toward the diverse shotmaking we see today. However, Michael Jordan is heavily responsible for the way the game is played today. A lot of the creativity we see on the floor today was ushered in by the GOAT.
- The trade talk is starting to buzz for the Blackhawks. Tab has more on some of the latest reports.
- While my hopes may not be the highest for this free agency period, no one can deny the Chicago Cubs have one of the best farm systems in baseball. The latest rankings reflect just that.
- When the Bears take the field this Sunday, they’ll have a new look! Er, well, I guess I should say old!
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