Hoops Rumors

Tempo will be a key in the Bulls’ play-in game against the Heat tonight, Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune writes. Chicago will want to speed up the game, while the Heat would prefer a halfcourt battle. “Our identity is up and down — and it’s not a secret,” guard Josh Giddey said. “Everyone knows the way we play.” Coby White says the Bulls need to match the Heat’s physicality. … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Bulls Play-In, Vucevic, Pistons, Haliburton

Bulls guard Josh Giddey is dealing with a muscle issue on the side of his hand but he’s expected to suit up for the play-in game against Miami on Wednesday, K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network reports. “It’s just about managing the pain,” Giddey said, adding that the injury will be addressed in the offseason (Twitter links). Giddey can’t imagine watching Wednesday’s game … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Giddey, Ball, Jones, Buzelis, Pistons Tickets, Sims

Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham expects a heated battle in the first playoff series of his career, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post relays via an ESPN interview. Detroit will match up against the Knicks in the opening round. “It’s going to be a war,” he said. “It’s going to be highly physical games — defense, battling it out on the glass, all of those different things. I … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Cunningham, Pacers Comeback, Bulls Season, Connaughton

Donovan Mitchell is missing his fourth consecutive game on Sunday due to a sprained left ankle, but the Cavaliers remain confident their star guard will be ready to go when the team begins its first-round playoff series next weekend, writes Joe Reedy of The Associated Press. Mitchell conducted a full workout at the Cavs’ training facility on Saturday and worked out on the court … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Mitchell, Ball, Jones, Giddey, Giannis, Furphy

Wins by the Orlando, Milwaukee, Atlanta, and Chicago on Friday night have locked in the playoff seeds for all six Eastern Conference playoff teams, along with the four play-in clubs. Here’s how the top 10 teams in the East will finish the regular season, as the NBA confirms (via Twitter): Cleveland Cavaliers Boston Celtics New York Knicks Indiana Pacers Milwaukee Bucks Detroit … [Read more...] about Postseason Seeding Set For Eastern Conference