Bulls’ BRUTAL Schedule Sets Up a Major Momentum Shift 🐂💪| Battle-Tested Bulls Ready to Bounce Back 💥

Bulls’ BRUTAL Schedule Sets Up a Major Momentum Shift 🐂💪| Battle-Tested Bulls Ready to Bounce Back 💥

The Chicago Bulls just survived the most grueling 10game stretch to start the NBA season. The Bulls have had the toughest schedule to start the NBA season. And they’re coming out of that at six and four. Despite some Bulls fans thinking that the sky is falling, it’s not done yet. The Bulls have taken some punches, but with Kobe White and Zack Collins close to returning, things are about to get even better for the Chicago Bulls. Tonight, they face off against the 9 and2 Detroit Pistons, the hottest team in the Eastern Conference. And it’s a chance to once again reset the tone on the season. And we’re going to talk about all that, plus no SNK’s first G-League game and more right after this. What’s going on, Bulls fans? Welcome to another episode of Chicago Bulls Central, your number one spot for everything Chicago Bulls related. I’m the host, Hayes, but more importantly, you guys can follow the channel at Bull Central Pod on every social media platform we happen to be on. With that said, let’s go ahead and get into this content for today, y’all. And listen, three-game losing streaks suck. And they suck for the Chicago Bulls, especially when the Bulls were in a lot of games that were very winnable down the stretches of these games, especially the last two. These were very winnable games against Cleveland, uh, for example, that and the Spurs that the Bulls could have won and execution, some other things led them to not winning it. despite the the the tone from some Bulls fans that more so we’re waiting for and I told you so in regards to the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Bulls not being able to keep up the momentum and pace. The Bulls are still sitting in a spot right now that you know when you look at their their opponents combined by everybody that the Bulls have faced off combined are 22 and 10, right? Uh, you know, that’s between the Milwaukee Bucks, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the San Antonio Spurs, the three teams that have beaten the Chicago Bulls over this three-game losing streak are 22 and 10 combined. 22 and 10, right? So, the Bulls have had a mix of top teams in in the conferences. And because of that, like, yeah, it was another loss and it sucks. And you look at the loss against the New York Knicks, right? All the teams that have beaten the Bulls so far are 28-13. 28 and3. So, the Bulls have had a grueling schedule to start off with. Now, I’m not to say that I’m I’m not here to say that that shouldn’t frustrate some Bulls fans because again, we were in these games. These games were winnable and that’s what the revision is history sometimes comes in to like I said, people who more so want to want to live in the I told you so world. But with with the Bulls strong six-1 start, the Bulls are now six and four following their first 10. Keep in mind, there were some people that would have said if the Bulls had three wins out of the first 10 games of how the schedule looked coming into the season, they would have taken that. And so this whole thing of acting like it’s all doom and gloom for the Bulls, it’s not. Now, there are some things that they definitely need to tighten up. And we’ve talked about that. Billy Donovan got to tighten up his coaching in some places. We got to stop these long stretches of of having an inability to score in in crucial moments where we just can’t put any points on the board while the other team is putting points on the board. Those are the type of things that the Bulls are going to have to look to get together as this thing goes on. But overall, like I’ll say this, the Bulls are in a really good spot. 6 and4 right now despite the hardest schedule in the NBA that the Bulls opponents have a 59 uh% win uh win percentage on that. That’s that’s tough, right? So now with that said, the Bulls with a tough start. Things are about to start getting easier for the Chicago Bulls because yeah, we next face off against the Detroit Pistons. We’re going to preview that game coming up uh next. the number one team in the Eastern Conference, but there’s going to be some more naturally more easier games coming up for the Bulls, right? And when you consider the fact that Kobe White and Zack Collins have missed this time and they’re expected back in the upcoming weeks, Kobe could be back as soon as the game against the Utah Jazz when we go on that West that short West Coast trip. But Kobe’s coming back soon. Zack Collins is probably another week or so away from returning himself. But both these things coming both these players coming back to this team are going to do nothing but increase the chances of of this team winning, right? And so now getting those guys back in the coming weeks that already strengthens this team. Getting, you know, when and you’re adding them to a rotation that’s already been effective, right? And effective without two of its key parts of it. Zack Collins is supposed to be the backup center on this team. Now Jaylen Smith has put together now uh you know, two and a half really good games straight, but overall he’s been really good on the over the course of the season. He’s only had one scoreless game so far. He’s had other games where he hasn’t shot the ball well, but I think for a player like Smith, he’s made his impact felt in more games than not. getting Zack Collins back, right? Hopefully Billy Donovan showing more of that openness to play the double big lineup also. And so when you look at this this this team and and and the Bulls and the teams that they’re coming up against in the in the upcoming next couple of weeks, right? Things not not just because things get easier on them as far as schedule wise, but they’re they’re becoming a better team, right? Um they’re going to they’re going to add players back to the to the roster. They’re going to be key like Kobe White is coming back. But then you look at it, yeah, after Detroit, we got Utah. That’s going to be an easier game. But then we got Denver, Portland, Miami. Those are going to be all tough games, but I’m not saying those aren’t winnable games. Miami’s offense has been great. Denver’s depth has been amazing. They’re back looking like a legit championship contending team that they wanted to do by adding depth. They only have two losses on the season as of this recording. Um, so of course those are going to be Portland, one of the upand cominging teams in the Western Conference. And I tell you what, it looks like that pick, if we don’t get that pick this year, we may get it next year, but they’re five and five on the season. But then after that, we got Washington, New Orleans, Charlotte, Indiana, right? all games against teams that those are all four very winnable games. And then then we got after that we got Indiana, Orlando, uh Brooklyn, another game against Indiana before we get into a tough stretch again where we have Golden State cle two games against Cleveland, two games against Atlanta and then Philly and Milwaukee. So, you know, things get tough again as they die off and we knew that coming into the season. They have that middle part of of December that’s gets a little bit easier. The end part of December picks back up and then when we start January, it gets a little bit easier again for the Bulls. So, it comes about what I’ve said before, win the weeks, right? How many of these weeks can you win? Doesn’t mean you’re going to win every game, but how many uh of these weeks can you come out with a better more wins than losses? And that’s where you want to see the Bulls stack up over the upcoming weeks. But things are not done for this team. Despite my, you know, Billy Donovan making some bad decisions, despite the Bulls not making, you know, some uh not being able to score down the stretch with Kobe White coming back, it fixes a lot of that. And well, it’s going to help with a lot of that. And I’m not going to say everything’s just going to be fixed magically by Kobe White coming, but it does put you in a much better situation uh to try to win some of these games. It’s not done for the Bulls. It’s not done at all for the Chicago Bulls. And the way that this team has shown fight, I just I just wish that that the the faith of the Bulls fans matched the fight that we’ve seen on the team. And I get it. Like I losses are losses. And for some people, there’s no such thing as moral victories um in the NBA. And for that, I can’t really blame you, right? Um, but this team has competed and nobody really expected and gave the Bulls that that amount of it. For what it’s worth, right, the remaining streak, the schedule, the Bulls have the easiest schedule remaining in the NBA. I’m just saying it’s something to look at, right? When you look at that, the Bulls have 70 games left on the season and have one of the easiest schedules remaining in the NBA. And, you know, those two games are going to be added back to the Bull schedule as well. That’s why it’s 70 instead of the 72. So, this is a time where the Bulls need to make their move. And not to say that, no, the thing is is I’m not I don’t want this team to be a bottom feeder team. I don’t want them to only be beating the bad teams. I’m not saying that. But to walk away with the record that the Chicago Bulls have have had and the schedule that they’ve had with still a winning record. I think that’s the thing that people they’re above 500. That’s where you want to be when you go through a tough and grueling schedule. And then as you get those easier opponents in, you definitely want to take care of business of those. Now, the Bulls start dropping some of those games going to be a little bit pissed off. I’m not going to lie to you, but you know, when you look at it, some of the some of the easier teams or the the worst teams in the NBA, the Bulls haven’t faced off yet. Uh Washington, Brooklyn, we got four games against Indiana coming up. Two games against New Orleans, another game against the Kings, two games against the Dallas Mavericks, for example. There are a lot of games left on the schedule. And the Bulls are in a position where listen because of how tough that they have played, even the good teams and the record that they sit at right now. This is this is going to be sh is still shaping up and heading into the direction of this being a very special season for the Chicago Bulls. And it just seems like some people are completely missing that based off just the fact that we went through a three-game losing streak. And get it, it sucked. I had to hear I had to be live for you guys get to see my disappointment live during the game every single game because I’m watching it live with you guys. Um, but the the the better times are coming and reinforcements are coming and the combination between those two things of the schedule getting easier, us making it through the hardest part of our schedule or one of the hardest parts of our schedule with a winning record without Kobe and Zack Collins in two of those games without Iodumu, one of those games without Josh Giddy. Things are not doom and gloom around here. We’re we’re not done and the season is far from over and so, you know, we the season is still shaping up to be a pretty fun season for the Chicago Bulls. And uh I’m glad that I’m going to be able to get to watch it, review it, and uh be there live with you guys. But with that said, the Bulls do have a game tonight. And they have a game against the Detroit Pistons, the number one team in the Eastern Conference. And while the Bulls do have a win over this team already, this is a much different Pistons team than when we faced them early in the season because they’ve started to find their groove. And Kade Cunningham is averaging 27 and a half points per game. Jaylen Duran himself has turned himself and stepped up as not only a score but also a defender, the one thing that a lot of people had questions about was is he really going to be that type of big man defensive uh guy there and he’s looking like he could be that guy this season, right? And so when you have um Kate Cunningham averaging over 27 points per game and then you have Jaylen Durren coming in averaging 19 points per game I believe is what it is coming into this game. This is going to be a tough matchup for the Bulls. Now, everything isn’t doom and gloom uh because they have some some injuries themselves or they’re missing some key players that are going to be out this game. Isaiah Stewart is out already been ruled out doubtful for this game. I’m sure Thompson is out with an ankle injury as well. Hell, we just mentioned Jaylen Duran. He’s listed as probable for this game. And then they were already missing Jay Nivey and um and Tobias Harris. They were already missing those guys. So, we’ll see. And even K Cunningham is actually listed as questionable with the hip injury as well going into this game. But this is still a Pistons team that has seven players averaging in double figures as we’re seeing throughout the league. Like you’re seeing a lot of players um you know a lot the teams use a lot of players but one of those players that is averaging double figures. Two of them um and Tobias Harris and Assur Thompson are going to be out this game. So you know this is this has been a team that’s had really big guys. Uh uh Denis I believe is is uh Jenkins who stepped up really big in their game. He got called up for the G- League a gamewinner for this Detroit Pistons team. But you got to we got to watch out for the balance from this team. They’re going to try to bring it from all angles. Now with Assur Thompson being out, that does take away their best wing defender in this game, which if Josh Giddy does play, it means that they’re not going to be able to switch Assur on him, which could lead Josh Giddy to Cook. Absolutely Cook in this game. If he does play, we going with that with that ankle injury. But this is a team that you cannot take lightly by any stretch of the imagination. to win this game, the Bulls are going to have to rebound, keep turnovers low, and attack the goddamn basket because the Detroit Pistons, you know, their offense, their offense isn’t the thing that stands out. They are the third best team per defensive rating in the entirety of the NBA. And that’s where you have to look out for them. That’s why rebounding is going to be key. Not not uh, you know, keeping the turnovers low is going to be key for this team because this team offensively, the Bulls defense can do some things uh, defensively against this team. They’re not a hugely efficient team. and they’re 24th in the league in true shooting percentage and 22nd in effective field goal shooting percentage. Um and and 25th in assist percentage. So their offense isn’t this type of fluid amazing offense that we’ve seen from other teams that we’ve played recently. Despite their record, if you play solid defense against the Detroit Pistons, it can put you in that game. How you deal with their defense is going to be huge there. But with missing Thompson, like I said, they’re missing a huge part of that. But Jaylen Duran is there and Jaylen Duran has had a really solid season defensively. So getting into the paint and attacking that paint, trying to get him in foul trouble is going to be key. The matchup of the bigs with Isaiah Stewart being out in this game, it means that they are not only missing uh you know another player that can that can guard some bigs for them uh which you know is affecting their big man depth, which is good, right, for the Chicago Bulls that you have there, but uh Nicolvous, Jaylen Smith, they’re going to have to be locked in with this team uh by being active in the paint. Uh Paul Reid is still nothing to to overlook at all for this Pistons team. I don’t care what the stats say about Paul Reid. Paul Reed is one of those players that when he is called upon to do some stuff defensively, he could be a really solid defender for you. And you know, while the offense isn’t huge for Paul Reed at all. I think he’s averaging like five points per game, you got to be aware of him defensively because where he’s at defensively and who they put him on can make a big determination factor in this. We’ve seen the Bulls also in the last few games give up big three-point shooting nights. Duncan Robinson can take advantage of that for the SC uh against the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls got to look out for that with Duncan Robinson and Ron Holland. Listen, Ron Holland is is averaging less than double digit figures. He’s only started two games this season, but with the injuries that they have, look out for Ron Holland as well to to have uh you know to be able to try to give them a little bit of extra ump on that uh on both sides of the ball. So, we’ll see what Ron Holland can bring in this one. Muselis’s buddy there and Ron Holland. You know, overall looking at this game, you’re going to need uh if Josh Giddy’s playing, you’re going to need Josh Giddy, VUC, Modis Buzzelis to really lock in, right? Trey Jones is going to have to do his thing. The thing that I want to see from Trey Jones is be more aggressive with taking shots. Even if the like if the defense leaves you open, take the shot, make them have to play you for it. And you know, I I get it. Kobe White’s coming back sooner rather than later. Trey is going to go back to the bench unit. Um but I want to see that from Trey Jones a little bit more. I know his first first duty is is facilitating, helping taking that pressure off of Josh Giddy, which Josky’s grown as an offball player really well. And then Modis, I want to see Modis continue his development. You know, somebody asked after the last game with considering the preseason hype. Are we disappointed in Modis? And no, I mean, I I try to call that a little bit for you guys coming into the season and just was realistic on what Modis was probably going to provide this season and for that he’s he’s provided from that. I just want to see more consistency for Modis Mousellis as we go on into the season as well, which I think we’ll get get from it. And then our bench, our bench continues to be something that’s special for us, the depth even with missing players. And so we’re going to need everybody off that bench. Going to need IO and Kevin Herder and Jaylen Smith who we mentioned, uh, Patrick Williams, right? We’re going to need these guys to continue to step up and give the Bulls some good quality minutes in a game like this. The Pistons are coming in missing some key pieces. The Bulls are going to be missing some key pieces. one of the pieces that could play in Josh Giddy could still be a little bit hobbled when it comes down to it. And so we just need the Bulls to lock in, get this win, and then you know, Kobe White’s coming back sooner rather than later. And uh when we are at that point, we’ll see what the Bulls then and how much how much further this offense can really go at that point in time. But let me know what you guys think on that down below. What are some of the biggest keys you’re looking for in this game against the Detroit Pistons? What are your biggest concerns? Let me know what you guys think on that down below. last topic. Um, and you know, so I’m going to start now with the G- League back in in full. Every Sunday I will be dropping weekly recaps of what happened with the G-League. So, we’ll be going game by game, the biggest performances stand out. Of course, we’re focusing on Noah Essen and Lachland Albbrick in those in those games. But, I do want to talk about the the the G-League debut of Noah Essen. Now, this was a uh, you know, something that a lot of Bulls fans don’t want to see, right? Noah Essen 28 points on 11 of 21 shooting, eight rebounds, and one assist. No block shots from Noah Essen, only one turnover as well. And this is why Noah got sit down to the G- League for his ability to be able to do a little bit of everything right now. The 21 shots, he’s not getting that at the NBA level. He may not even get five shots if he was in the Bull’s current rotation. And so having that ability to really work on his game, he was three or three from the free throw line, two of six from the three-point line as well, really efficient around the rim. Him and Lachlan Albert, uh, who had 15 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds. They are one of the they are the reasons to watch the Chicago Bulls team, um, down there. Even Wuka Paplar, uh, who had 13 points as well. Listen, I I we’ll do a full G-League recap, but for what it’s worth, one of the keys for no SNA to not have to play a lot in the G-League is to show that he’s head and shoulders above that level of competition. And in this first game, no SNK not only showed that, but he displayed every bit of the activity that could make him a player that that at minimum is going to make him a player that can be in the rotation in the NBA eventually at some time once Billy Donovan and the coaching staff feel he’s ready. But no, SN had a great first uh G-League game and uh I can’t wait to recap the week uh when we do the G-League episodes this upcoming um well this Sunday is when I’ll drop that episode. But that is my time for today, y’all. Um now let’s go ahead and get into the mailbag. We got one voicemail to get into. This one is from Darius. What’s going on, man? Little Darius from Dallas, brother. I thought that I said, man, I watch this for about every Bulls game. Why don’t I go and support my boy on on over on Bulls Central, man? Uh, so I figured I’d go on call. I got to harass you over here too, man. So, uh, but yeah, I I like what u I totally agree with you u what you said about Jaylen Smith. Um, and he’s more so the style that I think you know will work for this team. Um, I absolutely cannot stand borderline hate Nicole. He’s so [ __ ] smoothfooted and you hate him for the same reasons that I’d never like Dirk Dwinsky when I grew up. Everybody was talking about, “Oh, he dropped 40 points.” Yeah, but the [ __ ] gave up 30 on the other end, so I’m not impressed by that. U and I think we just need a guy, hey man, give me give me 15 to 20 points with elite defense and run that floor and and I’m good. Um and so I say that to say, man, bringing a Daniel Gaffford back. Uh that would absolutely that would be lethal for this team because now we in a situation where when the center can run the floor too. When the center can keep up with the guards and run the floor as well, now you going to have everybody sagging back. And guess what Kobe White going to do at the top of the key? Pull up and hit that three. Transition threes are about to start going up. Hit Kobe White and Kevin Hoarder would absolutely eat with a guy like Daniel Gastard on the floor. So that’s what we need. We need a guy that runs the floor on both ends of the ball. And uh you know, if we don’t if we don’t go get a D a Daniel Gaffford uh just to talk about what you you were mentioning in Hayes uh with the uh with the uh the Pacers. Uh hey, maybe we can unload uh over there. Uh or if they want Jaylen Smith instead, that’s fine, too. But go get an OB to U. Obie topping was one of those guys I wanted us to draft real bad and we never got him. But imagine an OB with this team running the floor, catching oops, you know, an athletic guy that is actually going to be a defensive presence in the paint and not just from a blocking shot standpoint, but a defensive rebounding standpoint. U like my old high school coach always told me, defense wins games, but rebounding wins championships. And when you have a sloohooted [ __ ] down there who some nights he’ll go get you 10, 12 rebounds, some nights he get you six. um he just he doesn’t really fit. He needs to be with more of a slow paced team. I think Busousvich will do really well with a team like Golden State or a half court team. Uh somebody that plays a little bit slower pace. Uh you know, we we need that guy that can run that floor. So, yeah, I’m all with it. Bring Daniel Gaffford back. If not, then we can go get OB Top and Texas up and bear down. Shout out to Darius who is a consistent caller over on Chicago Bears Central making the leap over here to Chicago Bulls Central. I appreciate you. Um, here’s the thing. I don’t have the hate that you have for Voo. I think that Vu came in here to to not be a defender and he’s been pretty damn good and consistent and what we brought him in here to be. But with that said, I don’t disagree with you on the style of center that the Bulls need going forward for this team. They need a lob threat. They need a rim runner. They need somebody who can get out in transition and can and can protect the paint and catch those lobs from Josh Giddy and Kobe and those type of they need that type of center. Make no mistake about it. Now, I am also of the mind that I could see Nicolus getting a new deal here while the Bulls look to find that center of the future, especially if they’re going to do it in the draft. But if you go after somebody like a Walker Kesler or somebody after like a Daniel Gaffford, somebody like a Mark Williams or if you go after Mark Williams, I still want to see the Bulls uh, you know, draft a young center and then, you know, give Mark Williams a two or threeear deal where you’re hoping that he’s going to be, you know, the bench center by the end of that deal because I just don’t trust his injury history. But there’s no doubt that the Bulls do need a different type of center to really kind of fit in with this style that we’re playing a little bit more. But for what it’s worth, I’ll give V credit. He’s adapted about as well as you can hope for VS to adapt, right? He’s done that pretty well um over this time and I gotta give him credit for that too. Like the way that he’s adapted to the system that isn’t necessarily be best fit for him has been pretty damn good. And so we’ll see uh you know how he continues to do that this season. But I do think the Bulls understand that they are going to have to go out and try to find a different center long-term fit for the Chicago Bulls. And um yeah, we’ll see if when when and and if they do that properly. So but great voicemail Darius. feel free to call in on this side anytime. Thank you guys for tuning in, man. Um, so listen, in in in bringing the show to a close, y’all. It’s not done for the Chicago Bulls. And like I said, don’t allow the doom and gloom people to make you think. Tough stretches reveal who uh who’s built to last. And the Bulls have weathered this tough storm really well. This team is improving. They’re playing well. Help is on the way. We’re making it through the hardest part of the schedule. And that’s good. Drop your predictions down below. Let me know you guys think on everything down below. Make sure you’re following us at Bull Central Pod. You send us any feedback, questions, comments, concerns, bull central [email protected]. Lastly, if you want to leave a text message and our voicemail for the mailbag, the number to do so, 773-270-2799. We are the number one spot for everything Chicago Bulls related. And like I like to end every episode on stay safe out there, see red, and always go Bulls. Love you guys. Peace y’all. This has been a presentation of the break medium.

The Chicago Bulls have dropped from 1st to 6th in the East, but don’t let that fool you — this team has faced the NBA’s toughest schedule (.593 opponent win percentage) and is still standing tall at 6–4.

Haize breaks down why these losses to the Bucks, Cavs, and Spurs aren’t signs of regression, but a reality check — and how this next stretch could launch Chicago’s momentum with Coby White and Zach Collins nearing their returns.

We’ll preview tonight’s Bulls vs. Pistons matchup featuring Cade Cunningham’s 27.5 PPG explosion and Jalen Duren’s defensive leap, plus what the Bulls must do to attack Detroit’s elite defense and get back in the win column.

Also: Noa Essengue dazzles in his first G-League game, dropping 28 points and 8 boards — proving why Chicago’s player development pipeline is looking stronger than ever.

All that and more on Chicago Bulls Central with your host, Haize — your #1 spot for everything Bulls Nation. 🐂🔥

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