NBA Power Rankings: Boston Celtics, LA Clippers are getting hot at the right time

21. Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls were one of the teams that made a big splash at the NBA Trade Deadline when they acquired Nikola Vucevic from the Orlando Magic. The hope was that his addition, along with Zach LaVine‘s progression, would equate to a playoff berth for the Bulls.

And while at certain points since the trade deadline, it’s looked like that would come to fruition, this team remains two games out of the eighth spot in the East with just a few weeks remaining in the regular season.

Even though there still a chance that this team could make the playoffs by winning in a play-in tournament format, finishing as the eighth seed would be so much easier path for this team. T

The concern, though, is that Zach LaVine is in health and safety protocol and there’s no knowing when he’ll be able to return to the floor. That could end up being the ultimate dagger in Chicago’s playoff chances this season.