Upon the Magic’s victory over the Cavaliers on Tuesday, the Bulls clinched a spot in the playoffs, marking their return for the first time since 2017, as per insights shared by Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times.
Coach Billy Donovan expressed his joy regarding the team’s playoff qualification, stating, “I am delighted for our players and the entire organization. Competing during this time of the year is crucial. Many of these individuals have not encountered such a situation before.”
Nonetheless, Chicago suffered a 127-106 loss to Milwaukee, leading to more uncertainties than resolutions about their postseason prospects, according to Cowley. The Bulls faced defeat at the hands of both the Bucks and the Sixers this season, increasing the likelihood of encountering one of them in the initial round.
Here are further details about the Bulls:
- Donovan highlighted the significance of prioritizing the rest for players who feel the need over the last three games. Despite this, he believes that participating in these matches would aid in maintaining their performance level ahead of the playoffs (Twitter link via K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago).
- This emphasis on players’ well-being could prove crucial for Zach LaVine, who missed Monday’s practice, Tuesday’s shootaround, and the game against the Bucks. Donovan mentioned LaVine’s discomfort in his left knee on Tuesday morning, though the medical team foresees it as a short absence, according to Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago (Twitter link). LaVine’s availability for Wednesday’s match against Boston remains uncertain, and his status is deemed day-to-day moving forward — this could change following the team’s playoff clinch.
- DeMar DeRozan expressed regret over the absence of Lonzo Ball‘s influence on the team, as reported by Schaefer (via Twitter). “He brings a distinctive aura to our team when he plays…From his exceptional passing abilities, high basketball IQ, to his scoring prowess…The entire game dynamics shift with ‘Zo’s presence,” DeRozan stated. Ball is anticipated to be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to increased knee discomfort.
Image Source: Hoops Rumors
