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Cordaro Johnson (Haize) here, the host of the daily Locked On Bulls podcast, with your daily Locked On Bulls newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Bulls and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.

Bulls’ Effort Questioned After Disappointing Loss to Pacers

NBA: Chicago Bulls at Indiana Pacers
Jan 8, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) dribbles against Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski/Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bulls’ recent momentum came to a screeching halt as they fell to the Indiana Pacers in a game that exposed many of the team’s ongoing issues. After two consecutive comeback victories, including an emotional win on Derrick Rose night against the New York Knicks, the Bulls came out flat and low-energy against a surging Pacers squad.

From the opening quarter, it was clear the Bulls were not operating at full capacity. Turnovers plagued the team, with a total of 18 by game’s end. The Pacers capitalized on every mistake, building a 19-point lead by halftime that proved insurmountable despite a stronger second-half showing from Chicago.

Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 31 points, while Coby White contributed 19. However, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the team’s overall poor decision-making and defensive lapses. The Pacers dominated in the paint, scoring 76 points inside and shooting 52% from the field.
NBA: Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards

Jan 1, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan looks on during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Reggie Hildred/Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Billy Donovan’s coaching decisions came under scrutiny once again. The rotation choices, particularly the extended minutes given to Chris Duarte, raised eyebrows. Nikola Vucevic’s lack of involvement in the second half, where he played only eight minutes without a single shot attempt, was particularly puzzling.

The loss highlighted the Bulls’ ongoing struggles with consistency and their inability to play a complete four-quarter game. While the team showed heart in the second half, it wasn’t enough to dig out of the hole they’d created early on.

This defeat serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Bulls as they approach a tough stretch of games, including an upcoming West Coast road trip. The team’s resolve will be tested as they look to bounce back and prove they can compete at a high level consistently.

For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bulls’ performance against the Pacers, tune into the Locked On Bulls podcast for this and much more.

Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bulls Podcast:

• The return of “Passive P” - Patrick Williams’ recent struggles

• Analysis of Billy Donovan’s coaching decisions

• The importance of developing young talent like Julian Phillips and Matas Buzelis
Listen to the full episode

League at Large

The Cavs, the Thunder, and the joy of a job well done

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dribbles the ball against Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert
Jan 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. | Ken Blaze/Imagn Images
The ESPN broadcast had its usual coach interview at the start of the fourth quarter, but the dialogue was far from typical. Instead of anodyne coach-speak, a smiling Kenny Atkinson marveled at the basketball being played before him.

“What a great basketball game,” the Cavaliers coach gushed. “I wish I could just sit back and watch it.”

As someone who did precisely that, I can say that Atkinson sure wasn’t wrong.

Cleveland/OKC had something for everyone. There were loud dunks, post moves, occasional but far from overwhelming flurries of three-pointers, high-level shotmaking, ping-pong ball movement, and great all-around defense (despite what the final score might indicate).

The major players exerted maximum effort on both sides and played more than their usual share of minutes. Coaches unveiled tactical adjustments at a lightning pace, counters to counters at a rate you usually only see in the playoffs. There was even a lot of zone defense (which, if you read Basketball Poetry, you would’ve been prepared for!). The refs were largely inobtrusive and inconsequential.

Frankly, if you didn’t like this game, there’s not much hope for you.

Something that struck me halfway through an exquisite third quarter: everyone on the court was simply doing their job. I don’t love how that sentence reads on paper; it makes it sound like a dull affair, people clocking in and clocking out before going to a chain bar with flashing neon signs instead of character for their preferred domestic light pilsner of choice.

That couldn’t be further from the truth. What is an NBA player’s job if not to entertain?
Potential Finals preview?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.

Home and Away

Rumor
Ready for this one? How about a four-team, 10-player trade involving the Bulls, Heat, Warriors, and Pistons. (Fadeaway World)

Must Watch
Bulls announcer Adam Amin dropped a line from LiAngelo Ball’s hit single while Lonzo made a nice play last night. (Sports Illustrated)

Analysis
A look at the state of zone defense in the NBA. Who’s running it, and who isn’t? (Basketball Poetry)

Must Read
NBA greats think this D-II coach is a basketball genius. So why don’t you know who Jim Crutchfield is? (The Athletic)

Analysis
Is this the worst rookie class in modern NBA history? Jared Dubin examines box-score production to compare this year’s rookies to the past. (Last Night in Basketball)

Fantasy Cheat Sheet

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Must-Add Players and Surprising Drops

Locked On - Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images | John Hefti/John Hefti-Imagn Images
As we approach the NBA trade deadline, it’s crucial to stay on top of the fantasy basketball waiver wire. Let’s dive into the most added and dropped players over the last 48 hours, and discuss some must-roster options for your fantasy teams.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. tops the list of most added players on Basketball Monster. While he’s had two solid games recently, I’m cautious about his long-term value, especially if Jimmy Butler is traded. Remember, any incoming player in a Butler trade could easily take over his role and minutes.

Ryan Dunn is another popular add, likely due to the Suns’ five-game week. However, he’s not a long-term hold for 12-team leagues. Use him for the extra games this week, but be prepared to move on quickly.

Kelly Oubre Jr. is seeing increased opportunities with Paul George out, making him a solid short-term add. Naji Marshall has also been playing well and is worth considering, despite a recent poor shooting night.
Who you can drop

3peat (ICYMI)

Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bulls podcasts.

The Chicago Bulls Want To Be Sellers At The Deadline.. So What’s Stopping Them?
Explore the intricate dynamics of the Bulls’ roster management, including the challenges of retaining talents like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu under the new CBA rules. Haize examines the front office’s past decisions, comparing the Bulls’ situation to more successful franchises like the Miami Heat and New York Knicks.

Zach LaVine’s Historic Night Propels Bulls to Victory Over Clippers
Hosts Haize and Pat explore LaVine’s place in Bulls history, debating his status as one of the team’s top scorers alongside legends like Michael Jordan. They also discuss Matas Buzelis’ entry into the NBA dunk contest and touch on the evolving dynamics of race in sports.

From Derrick Rose Night to Rock Bottom: The Bulls’ Freefall
Haize and Pat dissect the team’s defensive lapses and coaching challenges, questioning whether talent alone can carry them through the NBA season. The conversation also explores potential roster changes and the implications of keeping veterans during a rebuild.
Listen now
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