The Chicago Bulls played exactly one preseason game before the city’s basketball fans fell in love with this year’s team, thrashing the Cleveland Cavaliers, 131-95, on Tuesday. The offseason additions of DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso combined for 31 points, 19 assists and 11 rebounds while Zach LaVine poured in 25 points. Much of that action took place above the rim with a mini dunk contest breaking out between the Bulls. That was all it took for The Wiener’s Circle—Chicago’s infamous hot dog stand—to offer free hot dogs all day if the Bulls miss the playoffs.
The establishment’s traditional side of insults are likely to reach all-time profane levels if the employees are forced to pay out.
Chicago is the best basketball city in the world, and we at the wieners circle collective love basketball and our new look @chicagobulls. If the bulls don’t make the playoffs this year, it’s free hot dogs on us for an entire day, spread the word. @SarahSpain @leilarahimi
— The Wieners Circle (@TheWienerCircle) October 6, 2021
Forget the coffee… watch this video!
Every single dunk from last night's W: pic.twitter.com/88uxB3Ix9H
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 6, 2021
The odds do seem to favor The Wiener’s Circle at this point. Tipico Sportsbook lists the Bulls at -170 (bet $170 to win $100) to make the postseason in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference. Chicago is +130 (bet $100 to win $130) to miss the playoffs. Just who the Bulls will beat out to earn its first postseason berth since 2017 remains to be seen.
The Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks and Miami Heat all look like locks on paper while the Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets will contend for one of the remaining seeds. According to Tankathon, the Bulls’ strength of schedule ranks 15th in the league. There’s certainly plenty to like about the club’s chances this season—the brain trust of vice president Arturas Karnisovas, general manager Marc Eversley and head coach Billy Donovan have worked to quickly build an exciting roster—though this is still an unproven team.
Zach wasn't surprised at how the team looked in tonight's game:
"We've been playing this way in practice. It looks like this." pic.twitter.com/9hoDK3IQd4
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 6, 2021
I know it's only the first preseason game but this team is going to fun to watch Bulls Nation!! #ChiSlammaJamma
— Stacey King (@Stacey21King) October 6, 2021
Billy Donovan thought the #Bulls actually "overpassed" on a number of possessions tonight, but he'd rather it be that than the inverse. They had 36 assists and 9 turnovers.
He called his team really unselfish.
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) October 6, 2021
A postseason berth may depend just as much on the new additions building chemistry as the development of younger players like Patrick Williams, Javonte Green, Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu.
One way or the other, the Bulls will be a fascinating watch this season. If the club can’t snap the postseason draught, at least Chicagoans will be able to eat their feelings in hot dogs.
That may have been the case regardless but The Wiener’s Circle will make it a bit more convenient.
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