The Bulls are officially the 9th seed in the East after beating the Washington Wizards 119-89 on Friday night at the United Center. Julian Phillips had a career high 23 points in a rare start.
With this win, the Bulls get home court for their play-in game against the Miami Heat on Wednesday. A Bulls loss would eliminate them from the playoffs, but a win would send them to play either the Atlanta Hawks or Orlando Magic on April 18. The winner of that game gets the 8th seed and will play the 1st seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs.
This is the 2nd year in a row the Bulls have been the 9th seed, and the 3rd time in a row they’ve made the play-in tournament. Unfortunately, their last two appearances ended with road losses to the Heat.
Julian Phillips Shines in Rare Opportunity
One of the big takeaways from Friday’s game was Julian Phillips. He’s been under the radar all season but has become a big piece for the Bulls.
He made the most of his time, scoring a career high 23 points on 7-11 shooting with 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. His ability to stretch the floor (32.2% from 3 this season) and make plays around the rim has been huge for Chicago.
“Felt good to contribute like that,” Phillips said. “I’ve been working every day to get better and tonight showed what I can do.”
Nikola Vučević Nears Another Triple-Double
Nikola Vučević is still the anchor for the Bulls. After a tough stretch around the trade deadline he’s bounced back big time. Over his last 14 games he’s shooting 47.5% from 3.
In Friday’s win, he was one triple double short of another one with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists. When asked about not getting the triple double he joked to Coby White: “Maybe you should’ve made more shots!”
Vučević’s play has been huge for the Bulls as they get ready for the play-in.
Guard Injuries Loom Large Heading Into Playoffs
While the Bulls are celebrating their win, injuries are still a concern. Lonzo and Tre are not coming back anytime soon.
Lonzo has been out since October with a right wrist injury and is still in the recovery process. Tre has been in a walking boot for 3 weeks after suffering a left midfoot sprain and was reevaluated recently but still has discomfort.
Luckily, Josh Giddey, who missed Friday’s game with a forearm injury, should be back for the play in the tournament. He will be big for the Bulls.
Regular Season Finale vs. Philadelphia
Sunday is the final game of the season and they play the 76ers on the road. Doesn’t matter the outcome but it’s one last prep for Wednesday against the Heat.
For now the focus is simple: win against Miami and keep alive.
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