Game-by-Game Predictions

With only 25 games remaining this season, I figured it’s about time to go game-by-game through the remaining schedule in an attempt to determine what the Bulls’ final record will look like.  I plan on updating this fanpost after each game with actual results, and potentially changing some predictions if there are any fundamental changes to the Bulls or opponents as a result of injuries, signings, etc. 

Below is the Bulls’ remaining schedule.  Next to each game I have marked my prediction (W or L) as well as my confidence level in that prediction (1-10).  I have tried not to be too radical in my predictions; they are largely based upon record and basic matchups.  If I feel as though an explanation is necessary, I will include a short justification.  Feel free to tear me apart and make your own predictions as well.

In looking at the remaining schedule, it becomes immediately apparent that the Bulls still have some work to do.  There is a four game road trip against +500 teams in mid March.  Then, April is just flat out scary, as the Bulls will face their closest competition for playoff spots and playoff positioning (Milwaukee, Toronto, and Charlotte twice), as well as Cleveland and Boston.  Perhaps the only pushover teams the Bulls play in April are Washington and New Jersey, but as we all know, the Bulls are more than capable of dropping these games as well.

So without further ado…

Feb 26 - Portland: W7 (Looks like Camby won't play, and we all know Miller can't guard Rose!)

Feb 27 - @ Indiana: W8

Mar 1 - Atlanta: L7 (It's at home, but with Noah questionable and Tyrus gone, it doesn't look good.)

Mar 4 - Memphis: W5 (Let's hope Noah is back so as to mitigate their frontcourt size and strength.)

Mar 6 - Dallas: L6

Mar 9 - Utah: W3 (Bulls have matched up well with Utah lately.  Plus they'll have 3 days of rest...maybe Noah is healthy by then too??)

Mar 11 - @ Orlando: L8

Mar 12 - @ Miami: W6 (Miami seems to be unraveling, but Wade has a penchant for hitting miracle shots against the Bulls...still, I think the Bulls starters will rest for the 4th quarter against Orlando and pull this one out.)

Mar 16 - @ Memphis: L5

Mar 17 - @ Dallas: L6

Mar 19 - Cleveland: L8

Mar 20 - @ Philadelphia: W7 (Again - unfortunately - I think the starters will get plenty of rest the night before.)

Mar 22 - Houston: W7

Mar 25 - Miami: L5 (See above about Wade vs. the Bulls.)

Mar 27 - New Jersey: W6 (Trap game, but we can't lose twice to the worst team in history...right?)

Mar 28 - @ Detroit: W7 (I'm sorry BG.  You deserve better.)

Mar 30 - Phoenix: L6

Apr 2 - @ Washington: W8 (As long as Obama isn't in attendance.)

Apr 3 - Charlotte: L6 (The return of Tyrus Thomas!!  I don't think this one will go very well...especially if Noah is still hurting).

Apr 6 - Milwaukee: W6 (If it was away, I'd say we lose.  At home?  They'll take care of business.)

Apr 8 - Cleveland: L8 (Unless the Lebrons have already tied up home court advantage.)

Apr 9 - @ New Jersey: W5 (Another trap game, but they'll get it done.)

Apr 11 - @ Toronto: L6 (And it will be the difference between the 5 seed and 6 seed.)

Apr 13 - Boston: W5 (Between the rivalry and the Celtics' injury problems, I say the Bulls take them down.) 

Apr 14 - @ Charlotte: L6 (Unless Charlotte is already out of the playoff hunt.)

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Final Record: 43 - 39, 6th in Eastern Conference