As the NBA regular season winds down, the Chicago Bulls find themselves in the thick of the play-in tournament race, and every game matters. Fresh off a critical 119-111 victory over the Miami Heat, the Bulls (37-43) look to solidify their postseason hopes in their final home game of the season against the struggling Washington Wizards (17-63).
With just two games left, Chicago has momentum and motivation on its side, riding a 7-3 stretch over its last 10 games. This surge has vaulted them into the 9th spot in the Eastern Conference, giving them a slim but vital edge over the Miami Heat. Even more enticing, they’re just half a game behind the Atlanta Hawks for 8th place—a spot that provides a valuable second chance in the play-in format.
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Josh Giddey’s Triple-Double Sparks Bulls’ Late Surge
Wednesday’s win over Miami was spearheaded by a monster performance from Josh Giddey, who notched his seventh triple-double of the season with 28 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists. Giddey’s leadership and all-around play have been instrumental in the Bulls’ turnaround.
“We’re trying not to concern ourselves too much with [standings], playing one game at a time, and we’ll see where we end up after 82 games,” said Giddey, emphasizing a focused mindset for the final stretch.
Core Trio Leading the Charge: White, Vucevic, and Giddey
- Coby White: The breakout star and leading scorer at 20.7 points per game, White’s scoring punch has been consistent and clutch.
- Nikola Vucevic: A steady veteran presence, averaging 18.7 points and 10.1 rebounds, Vucevic brings toughness and experience in the paint.
- Josh Giddey: The playmaker has elevated his game in the clutch, averaging near triple-double stats across the last few weeks.
Wizards Look to Finish Strong Despite Tough Season
While Washington sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with just 17 wins, the season hasn’t been devoid of hope. A talented rookie class is turning heads, offering a glimpse into the franchise’s promising future.
Rising Stars in D.C.
- Alex Sarr: The rookie center is on a tear, putting up 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists recently against Indiana. Sarr has scored double digits in 9 of his last 10 games and is making a late push for Rookie of the Year honors.
“I’ve been constantly improving through the season, and I’m finishing out strong,” Sarr told the Washington Post.
- Bub Carrington: A crafty guard who’s heating up, Carrington dropped a career-high 32 points vs. Orlando and is consistently scoring and dishing assists.
- Kyshawn George: After returning from an ankle sprain, George contributed 13 points in his last outing and continues to play with confidence.
- Justin Champagnie: A reliable contributor with 8.3 PPG and 5.6 RPG, Champagnie has been a steady presence in a turbulent season.
What’s at Stake?
For the Bulls:
- Securing the 8th seed would give Chicago a safety net in the play-in—lose the first game and still have another shot.
- A win against Washington is non-negotiable if they want to leapfrog Atlanta, especially with only one game left afterward at Philadelphia.
For the Wizards:
- Development is the name of the game. Giving young talent meaningful minutes helps accelerate growth and builds momentum for next season.
Daily NBA Picks & Predictions
Head-to-Head: Bulls vs. Wizards – Key Stats
Team | Record | Last 10 | Leading Scorer | X-Factor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chicago Bulls | 37-43 | 7-3 | Coby White (20.7 PPG) | Josh Giddey |
Washington Wizards | 17-63 | 2-8 | Alex Sarr (Late Surge) | Bub Carrington |
Final Word
The Bulls are playing with purpose. With Giddey’s triple-doubles, White’s scoring leadership, and Vucevic’s veteran reliability, Chicago has all the tools to lock in a favorable play-in spot. On the other side, Washington might be out of the playoff picture, but their rookies are laying a foundation that could pay off sooner than expected.
Expect Chicago to come out aggressive, focused, and ready to take care of business in their final home game of the season.