NBA Power Rankings Week 3: Are the Golden State Warriors back?

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 04: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by teammates after he made a three-point basket against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center on January 04, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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Chicago Bulls. 21. team. 24. . 4-6. Previous: 28th

Last Week: Beat Dallas Mavericks 118-108, Beat Portland Trail Blazers 111-108, Lost to Sacramento Kings 128-124, Lost to Los Angeles Lakers 117-115

This Week: 1/10 at LA Clippers, 1/12 vs. Boston Celtics, 1/15 at Oklahoma City Thunder

The Chicago Bulls had one of the more promising 2-2 weeks that a young team could hope for. They have been shorthanded the entire week given the loss of four players due to COVID, most notably Lauri Markkanen. Otto Porter Jr. only played six minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers after exiting with back spasms. Yet somehow, the team that did not fit fell into place.

Zach LaVine and Coby White were great this week. They both shot over 50 percent from the field (52.8 percent and 51.4 percent, respectively) and showed explosive scoring throughout (31.8 points and 23.5 points). White is lost on the defensive end but LaVine has shown a knack for picking up steals and blocks.

Wendell Carter Jr. had a solid week and looks to be healthy and better without Lauri Markkanen around. He averaged 13.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists a night this week. Garrett Temple is playing a ton of minutes and the veteran presence he brings has been essential. He is basically an extension of Billy Donovan on the court.

The Bulls are still a long way from contending for a real playoff spot. As the roster starts to fit better, the clarity is more important than any wins in the short term. Porter was showing signs of life before the back spasms so it may be time to explore the trade market on the expiring wing to help the roster take the next step.