ESPN’s win projections for 2022-23 have recently been revealed for each NBA team. Many fans were upset with the placement of their respective teams; this included fans of the Chicago Bulls.
ESPN’s wins projections for the 2022-23 season have the Chicago Bulls winning 38.5 wins next season. This places the Bulls at 12th in the Eastern Conference.
Last season, the Bulls struggled with injuries and COVID-19, but they still managed to win 46 games. The Bulls finished the season as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Related: How injuries and COVID-19 derailed Lonzo Ball and the Chicago Bulls last season
Is Lonzo’s injury why ESPN predicted the Bulls would win 38.5 games?
Most figured if healthy, the Bulls would perform better than they did in the 2021-22 season. This is why Bulls fans aren’t too happy with ESPN’s projections.
Wooof, ESPN’s projections have the Bulls only winning 38 games this year.
They’re placed 12th in the east and under .500. https://t.co/A0LcHNRgpL
— Buzz (@BuzzOnTap) September 29, 2022
The problem fans may not be realizing is the Bulle are not 100% healthy to start the season. Their starting point guard, Lonzo Ball, is predicted to be out until at least January.
Not having Lonzo at the point does cause problems for the Bulls. Lonzo was the pacesetter last season, getting his teammates involved on offense. His defense also was crucial in moments of the game as he averaged 1.8 steals per game.
The Bulls are a weaker team without Lonzo on the court. There’s no denying that. This could be the reason for the poor ranking from ESPN.
The Bulls will hope Lonzo can return to the court by January and no later. If Lonzo can, he might be the piece they need to make another playoff push.
