Are Bulls a lottery team? Should Eloy Jiménez play right field? Tackling 10 relevant Chicago sports topics. – Chicago Tribune

Whereas most look ahead to the NFL convention championship video games, continual victims of PSBD — or post-Tremendous Bowl dysfunction — dread the considered just one recreation remaining after Sunday earlier than the lengthy, agonizing look ahead to the 2023 season.

Thankfully there are various different diversions to get you thru your post-Tremendous Bowl malaise, together with the NBA, March Insanity, spring coaching, sports activities debate exhibits and flicks.

For individuals who have spent the final six months in an NFL cocoon, listed here are 10 questions and solutions to assist catch you up on the good problems with the day.

Even after their 128-109 victory towards the Magic on Saturday in Orlando, Fla., solely six groups had a worse successful proportion than the Bulls. They’ll nonetheless make the Japanese Convention playoffs, however not at this tempo.

Just like the Chicago White Sox in 2022, the Bulls have spent a lot of the season getting near .500, solely to go backward in spectacular style. They haven’t any shot at falling low sufficient to have a practical shot at consensus No. 1 decide Victor Wembanyama, but when they miss the playoffs they certainly could have some pingpong balls within the lottery.

This was a sizzling subject with White Sox followers for a couple of minute final week earlier than the Mike Clevinger saga pushed it to the background.

Jiménez told reporters: “I don’t actually assume that I’m going to simply accept (embracing the DH function) as a result of I’m working onerous to get higher and I need to play within the outfield.”

It’s good that Jiménez is working onerous to turn into a greater fielder, but when the Sox are higher defensively with rookie Oscar Colás in proper, there’s no actual motive to play Jiménez greater than as soon as per week within the outfield.

Nothing makes an NFL fan miss the RedZone channel like the ever present advert that includes Paul Giamatti as a befuddled Einstein attempting to decide on a wi-fi supplier. Each cease in motion throughout the NFL playoffs has seemingly introduced one other airing.

No betting websites offered an over-under for Sunday’s championship video games, however my bookie mentioned 22, together with pregame exhibits.

Why not? The unranked Wildcats are 15-5 after Saturday’s 81-61 win over Minnesota and 6-3 within the Huge Ten. Nobody believed in them after final season’s 7-13 end in convention play.

What has been the difference?

“I feel we actually don’t care about all of the stuff, what individuals say about us,” senior guard Chase Audige mentioned after Monday’s win over Wisconsin. “Like, we’ve heard clearly every part in our years right here, from being the worst of the worst, or once we’re taking part in nicely (being) the perfect of the perfect. We’re simply attempting to remain even-keeled. We all know how assured we have been in ourselves as a bunch, and we consider in us. And that’s all that basically issues versus what everybody else has to say.”

The Wildcats have proved they’re for actual, however the schedule will get more durable now.

Judging by the commercials, the upcoming launch about 4 aged ladies who’re obsessive Tom Brady followers may rank because the worst sports activities film of all time. It has some powerful firm in “Fever Pitch,” ”Unhealthy Information Bears Go to Japan” and “The Benchwarmers.” A extra becoming title could be “Botox for Brady.”

Wait and see. Setup man Brad Boxberger would be the odds-on selection to begin the season there, although he hasn’t been an everyday nearer since 2018 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Keegan Thompson, Adbert Alzolay, Brandon Hughes and Rowan Wick are additionally potentialities.

Crew President Jed Hoyer won’t be accomplished including relievers however mentioned he feels “comfy” together with his late-inning choices.

“My purpose, my hope is that over the following two to a few years these guys are all popping out of our system,” he mentioned. “That’s the true purpose, to offer nice stuff within the bullpen, and that’s additionally coming in (with) younger guys with choices which are inexpensive. That’s actually what we need to develop.”

The NBC Chicago Sports activities analyst can’t conceal his disgust after Bulls losses and lately requested: “Who do they assume they’re?” Perdue speaks for followers all over the place when he questions the lack of leadership within the locker room. He’s the Bulls’ model of Ozzie Guillen.

The Bulls guard hasn’t performed in additional than a yr but received four All-Star votes on players ballots. Let’s assume one was from his brother LaMelo and the opposite three have been from his Bulls teammates who consider the All-Star poll is a joke.

Little question about it. However when Fox Sports activities persona Shannon Sharpe, the previous NFL star, got into a shouting match with Memphis Grizzlies gamers and Ja Morant’s father at a recreation towards the Los Angeles Lakers, referees and stadium safety needed to step in.

Sharpe later apologized after embarrassing himself and his outlet. Apparently there have been no repercussions from the league or his bosses.

It’s going to appear that approach by the response of James and his media associates. However the all-time chief in factors per recreation will stay Michael Jordan at 30.12, adopted by Wilt Chamberlain’s 30.07 PPG common.

James ranked fifth on Saturday at 27.21. Jordan additionally could have six NBA titles to James’ 4 and 6 NBA Finals MVP awards to James’s 4.

James is a really nice participant however performed for much longer than Jordan. It’s actually a no brainer.