The Chicago Bulls are arguably having their worst season in decades when factoring in their expectations for this year. The Bulls were the top seed in the east last year heading into the All-Star break and slowly slipped down to the sixth seed after enduring injuries. Even with Lonzo Ball’s absence, the Bulls were hoping for a lower-seed playoff position at the very least. Instead, they’re currently outside of the play-in tournament, hoping to make a push to solidify a spot in the postseason with the final 20 games remaining.

It’s been well-documented the Chicago Bulls pursued Russell Westbrook in the buyout market after failing to make a trade at the deadline. It was a blessing in disguise when Westbrook chose to stay in Los Angeles, which shifted the Bulls’ attention to Patrick Beverley. Not only has Beverley been the hometown hero who has lit a fire under the Bulls, but he’s also keeping the superstars in check.

Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan often fall under the iso-ball trap and chuck one brick after another, hoping it’ll lead to a victory, which occasionally it does. The Bulls stopped playing with passion several games into the regular season when word got out that Lonzo Ball likely wouldn’t return this season. The Bulls always had the talent. They just lacked urgency. As they slipped out of the play-in tournament heading into the All-Star break, they needed a push now more than ever. Luckily for the Bulls, Beverley has provided that push.

Prediction On Remainder Of The Season

The Bulls aren’t a lock for a playoff spot, but you can pencil them in for a play-in seed. Patrick Beverley is a play-in tournament king helping the Timberwolves with their playoff push last season. If you need a player for one game for his energy and effort and to rally the rest of the team, Patrick Beverley is on that short list of players in the NBA. Can he win you a series? Probably not. Could he win you a game or two with his energy? For sure. The Bulls are banking on winning a few games to land the 8th seed before the playoffs, which could help their chances of playing Boston in the first round, a team they’ve had success against this season.