NBA Power Rankings Week 17: A new number one and a lot of injuries

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 14: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets in the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on April 14, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

9 of 30

(Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /

24. . 23-33. Previous: 17th. Chicago Bulls. 22. team

Last Week: Lost to Minnesota Timberwolves 121-117, Lost to Memphis Grizzlies 101-90, Lost to Orlando Magic 115-106, Lost to Memphis Grizzlies 126-115, Beat Cleveland Cavaliers 106-96

This Week: 4/19 at Boston Celtics, 4/21 at Cleveland Cavaliers, 4/22 vs. Charlotte Hornets, 4/24 at Miami Heat

Coming at the worst possible time, Zach LaVine has been sidelined due to health and safety protocols. The leader of the team missed the last two games of the week (including the welcome end to a five-game losing streak) and is expected to miss several games. The Bulls need every win they can get. So in the meantime, someone other than Nikola Vucevic will need to step up to fill the gaps.

Chicago has to hope that at least part of that answer will be Coby White. The second-year guard has been mostly underwhelming this season, averaging 14.3 points, 4.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game on shooting splits of .408/.340/.907. In LaVine’s absence, he will have an increased responsibility to be a go-to scorer.

If Lauri Markkanen was able to show some sort of pulse on the court, that would be an additional benefit. Over the last week, he averaged just 6.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. The trades for Vucevic and Daniel Theis have certainly limited his effectiveness on the floor but nothing excuses those numbers. The Bulls need to be better. They made a bet on their future (and present) with the trades they made so making the postseason is a must. At this point, whether or not they achieve that goal is anyone’s guess.