NBA - Bulls brace for tough four-game stretch
By Ricardo Carbajal
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 31 Dec 2019
CHICAGO -- After beating the hapless Atlanta Hawks, 116-81 at the United Center on Saturday night (Sunday morning RP time), the Chicago Bulls improved to a 13-20 record and climb up to ninth place in the Eastern Conference.
Disposing the worst the 6-27 Hawks, the worst team in the NBA coming in, was the easy part, And the Bulls did they were supposed to do against a struggling squad that didn't have its best player, Trae Young.
Following an uneven start, the Bulls have somehow crept to just 1.5 games behind the Orlando Magic for the eighth playoffs spot in a relatively weak East.
But the road only gets tougher.
The upcoming four games will be a stern test for an inconsistent Chicago team that nearly imploded in the strain of internal issues concerning its players seeking more touches (Lauri Markkanen) and more minutes (Otto Porter Jr.) under head coach Jim Boylen.
The treacherous grind begins four Monday night at home against the Milwaukee Bucks. Two days later the Bulls host the surging Utah Jazz at the United Center. The Celtics then visit the Windy City on January 4 before flying to Dallas to play Western Conference powerhouse the Mavericks.
This four-pack won't define their season but it will gauge the strength of their playoffs chances..
But coach Boylen feels good about the looming test.
"We talk about individual development of each guy, what we hope they can improve and grow with. I'm really proud of our guys. I think they're growing. I think they're understanding how important every possession is."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ricardo Carbajal.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Donaire ready for Tsutsumi
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 16 Dec 2025INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT: WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS CONNOR MITCHELL GETS READY FOR HIS PRO DEBUT
Tue, 16 Dec 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION DECEMBER 15 DECEMBER 2025: Gassiev KO Pulev in 6; Mikaeljan Beats Jack for WBC Cruiser Title; Pacheco Outpoints Sadjo
By Eric Armit, Tue, 16 Dec 2025Sumalinog, Castanol rule Senior, PWD fun run
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 16 Dec 2025Vargas urges boxers to defy odds
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 16 Dec 2025GIORGIO VISIOLI SETS OUT MISSION TO LAND MAJOR TITLES AFTER TENSE FIRST FACE-OFF WITH ENGLISH TITLE RIVAL JOE HOWARTH
Tue, 16 Dec 2025Kevin Brown and Yoenis Tellez Shine at Boxlab Promotions’ “Night of Champions XIII” During the 104th Annual WBA Convention
Tue, 16 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Justin Cardona Shares Insights Ahead of December 19 Showdown Against Avious Griffin
Tue, 16 Dec 2025JAS MATHUR JOINS MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS AS CEO TO LEAD STRATEGIC VISION, CREATIVITY AND GLOBAL GROWTH INITIATIVES
Tue, 16 Dec 2025Split-T Management Signs Amateur Standout Adrian Salazar
Tue, 16 Dec 2025INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME REMEMBERS CANASTOTA’S MANAGER / TRAINER / PROMOTER TONY GRAZIANO
Mon, 15 Dec 2025Catubig, Prado win Suy Foods Santa Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 15 Dec 2025Junior, Youth and Elite Divisions Awarded on Final Day of 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
Mon, 15 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Applauds Cebuana Lhuillier Ambassadors for Bronze Finish at SEA Games 2025
Mon, 15 Dec 2025NOEL MIKAELIAN DETHRONES BADOU JACK TO BECOME THE NEW WBC CRUISERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION
Sun, 14 Dec 2025