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2017 NBA Playoffs Roundup, Day 12: Boston’s Bargain Bradley, Wall Gets Help And Super Schroder Strikes Again

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 26, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) goes to the basket past Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) goes to the basket past Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NBA Playoffs
Apr 26, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) comes off the court during the first half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bulls Are In Trouble

This might seem obvious for any 8-seed taking on the No. 1 seed in the first round, but the Chicago Bulls are in trouble.

Jimmy Butler isn’t even shooting 41 percent from the field. Robin Lopez is no longer a larger than life advantage. The Bulls are one game away from elimination, heading back to an arena where they lost their last two games against Boston by an average of 13 points.

At this rate, only a Willis Reed kind of performance from a one-armed Rajon Rondo can save the Bulls.

To be fair, no one should feel let down by Chicago or by Rondo if he’s unable to suit up for Game 6 and the Bulls bow out in the first round. Not many people expected this series to be close, and after the season this team has had, it’s uplifting to see them compete like this at all.

But Rondo is one of the game’s toughest and most experienced playoff competitors. With Game 6 not until Friday, he has a little bit of time to prepare, and he was already pretty damn close to suiting up for Game 5.

Next: 10 Random 1st Round Playoff X-Factors We Weren't Expecting

It’s a long shot, but after three straight losses without him — compared to back-to-back wins with him — the Bulls are running out of saviors to turn to. If there’s going to be a Game 7, there’s a very good chance Game 6 will feature whatever miracle Rondo can conjure up with his one good hand.