Report by Tom Lewis
Tom Lewis takes a weekly look at the NBA teams in the Central Division - Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks - and breaks down what happened the week before and what to expect in the week ahead, as well as injuries and trades.
Recap Rewind: The Chicago Bulls finished last week with a 1-2 record. Things were looking up for a playoff run in Chicago after the Bulls pounded the New Jersey Nets at the United Center, 112-96. Unfortunately, the Bulls gave back the ground they gained by losing their next two games at home. Not surprisingly, the San Antonio Spurs put the clamps on the Bulls and methodically put them away, 102-80. Next up, the Bulls coughed up a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter and ended up losing to the Indiana Pacers, 108-101.
Notable News: The Bulls off-court soap opera continued with Andres Nocioni playing the lead role in this week’s episode. Nocioni was kicked off the bench during the game against Indiana after blowing up at Jim Boylan... Kirk Hinrich missed the San Antonio game with a sprained ankle, but was able to play in the next game against Indiana…The Bulls remain three games out of a playoff spot, but will have to jump over three teams should they start winning... Former Pistons and Pacers coach, Rick Carlisle is rumored to be in the running to coach the Bulls next year.
Fast Forward: The Bulls can make a big move toward the playoffs this week with two games against the Atlanta Hawks. In between the Hawks games, the Bulls travel to play at the red hot Philadelphia 76ers. The week finishes up at home against the Milwaukee Bucks. It is now or never for the Bulls’ playoff hopes.
CENTRAL DIVISION REPORTS
Chicago Bulls/Cleveland Cavaliers/Detroit Pistons/Indiana Pacers/Milwaukee Bucks
