(4) Chicago Bulls vs. (5) Washington Wizards
Wizards Won Season Series 2-1
In 2014, John Wall officially became a superstar in the NBA, leading his Washington Wizards to a very positive 44-38 record. With a second-scoring punch in Bradley Beal, plus help from both Marcin Gortat and Trevor Ariza adding important some efficient play, they’ve has seen much success this year. While the team is definitely on the upswing as one of the sexiest destinations for a swing player or big man, they sadly runs into one of the best defensive teams in the entire league. Once again, without their star Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls head into the playoffs with a chip on their shoulder and confidence to potentially give the Indiana Pacers problems in the second round. Before we get to that destination, the the hard-nosed cast of collective players will face a challenging series against the Wizards.
With Luol Deng traded this season, Jimmy Butler has come of age into the Bulls system, intriguing both Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer to keep playing how they would if Rose was around. John Wall will finally be seen on the big stage, but the series will come down to the experience coaching and tactics from Tom Thibodeau.
Game 1 – Sun. April 20, Washington at Chicago, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 2 – Tue. April 22, Washington at Chicago, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 – Fri. April 25, Chicago at Washington, 8 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 – Sun. April 27, Chicago at Washington, 1 p.m., ABC
Game 5 * Tue. April 29, Washington at Chicago, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Thu. May 1, Chicago at Washington, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sat. May 3, Washington at Chicago, TBD, TNT