Round 1 Preview Washington Wizards vs Chicago Bulls 

We’re heading out East for what should be a fun and competitive 3 vs. 6 matchup, with the seasoned Washington Wizards going up against the upstart Chicago Bulls. The Wizards have been a steady presence in the Eastern Conference playoff picture for a while now, and they’ve made a habit of locking in home-court advantage more often than not. They are a mainstay as a team that knows how to win and stay near the top, even when things don’t go perfectly.  This season was no different in that sense, they had another strong year, but it wasn’t without challenges. Injuries hit the Wizards pretty hard throughout the season, affecting several key players and shaking up their rotations. Even so, they managed to hang tough and finish in the top three, which says a lot about their depth and experience.

The Bulls, on the other hand, are coming into this matchup with a bit of a different story. They’ve been on the rise, and while they’re still putting it all together, the talent is definitely there. Early in the season, they looked sharp, at one point climbing as high as the No. 2 seed in the East, and had stretches where they looked like one of the most dangerous teams in the league. But like Washington, they’ve had to deal with injuries too. Jalen Suggs missed a big portion of the year, and LaMelo Ball’s availability has been inconsistent, which made it tough for them to build real momentum and will make it tough for them to get through this round as he isn’t back until the conference finals. 

When you look back at how both teams started the season, it’s easy to see why expectations were high. The Wizards came out of the gates looking like a powerhouse. They were dominant early and looked like the team to beat in the NSL. Meanwhile, the Bulls made a statement of their own and proved they weren’t just a young team with potential, they were ready to compete right away.  Now, as they head into this first-round series, both teams have something to prove. For the Wizards, it’s about reminding everyone that when they’re healthy and locked in, they’re still one of the league’s best. For the Bulls, it’s a chance to get some playoff reps and battle scars, maybe even steal the series as the underdog.

Position Battle: 

Point Guard: Jrue Holiday vs Ty Jerome 

The acquisition of Jrue Holiday is widely seen as the move that pushed the Wizards over the top this season. A lockdown defender who can take on the opposing team’s primary creator and also chip in offensively, Jrue looks set for a big series, and potentially a big postseason overall.

One of the more unexpected storylines has been Ty Jerome. While his strong play has been a pleasant surprise, it’s not shocking to see him still on the roster. Most of the league didn’t view him as being worth a first-round pick, which likely kept trade interest low. GM Jonathon was content to hold, and it’s paying off, Jerome has stepped up when called upon and fills an important role now that the team’s top two backcourt options are out for this series.

Position Win: Jrue Holiday 

Shooting Guard: Devin Booker vs Josh Green

Devin Booker might be one of the few players in the NSL still playing for the team that originally drafted him, someone correct me if I’m wrong. He’s Josh’s guy through and through, and he’s delivered year after year for the Wizards. This season’s been no different, Book’s been consistently excellent and remains one of the league’s premier scoring threats.

On the other side, we’ve got Josh Green, more of a defensive specialist who can hit the three here and there. He’s been solid for the Bulls, but nothing too flashy, and he’s definitely going to have his hands full trying to slow down Booker in this matchup. That said, this is probably exactly the type of assignment Jonathon had in mind when he brought Green in.

Position Win: Devin Booker

Small Forward: LeBron James vs GG Jackson 

I don’t think there is too much to write for this one, you have a top 2 player in the NSL for a guy in his second season still trying to find his feet.  GG has some solid potential, but he’s way out of his depth in this match up. 

Position Win: LeBron James 

Power Forward: Robert Williams vs Pascal Siakam

We haven’t seen a whole lot of Robert Williams in a Wizards uniform yet, but in the limited minutes he’s played, he’s looked like a solid role player, someone who can rebound, protect the rim, and do the dirty work. That’s really all this team needs from him, and he fits that role well.  On the other side, Pascal Siakam is going to have a much bigger load to carry for the short-handed Bulls. He’s been excellent this season, arguably his best yet from a 2K standpoint, finally living up to that potential. He’s dynamic on offense, holds his own defensively, and will be central to anything the Bulls are trying to do in this series. Should be a fun matchup to watch unfold.

Position Win: Pascal Siakam

Center: Clint Capela vs Nicolas Claxton 

The battle of the big men comes down to Clint Capela and Nicolas Claxton. This one feels like a bit of a wash.  Statistically, there’s not much separating the two. Both guys are reliable rim runners and shot blockers, and that’s exactly what their teams will be asking from them in this series.  If I had to give a slight edge, I’d lean toward Capela, mainly because I think the strength of his supporting cast might allow him to be a bit more impactful overall.

Position Win: Clint Capela

Bench Mobs: 

Both teams have solid depth off the bench, with guys who can not only contribute in second units but also step into the starting lineup when needed. That flexibility has been key for both squads throughout the season.  The Bulls do have the reigning Sixth Man of the Year in Collin Sexton, which probably gives their bench a slight edge in this matchup. He brings instant offense and a bit of swagger that can shift the momentum in a game, exactly the kind of presence you want coming off the pine in a playoff series.

Prediction: 

Congratulations to both GMs for making the playoffs in what is arguably the most competitive season we have had to date in the NSL.  Unfortunately, I think the Wizards are too strong for the undermanned Bulls and will make light work of them in 4 games.  However, it will be great for Jonathon to get a taste of the playoffs and ignite fire to make sure he’s back here next season. 

Wizards in 4 

Good luck to you both.