Feeling Bullish
Chicago Bulls vs Los Angeles Lakers: Nov. 16, 10:30 AM on NBA TV Philippines via the new Smart GigaPlay app or Cignal TV
With a new-look roster that's billed as exciting as it is lethal, everybody wants a piece of the Chicago Bulls. They're that team that every other team and every other fanbase wants to take a closer look at. How good are they and how good can they be? How's the defense looking? Should everyone have an Alex Caruso type of player on their lineup? How will the loss of Nikola Vucecic, who’s out due to COVID-19 protocols, affect the team?
The Bulls won a challenging game against the Nets before winning again versus the Mavericks. But the Chi-town was quickly humbled by the Warriors in a major blowout.
There's a certain level of appeal with the Bulls and it's not going away anytime soon. They have a tough schedule ahead of them starting with back-to-back games against the Los Angeles teams. Then they'll wrap up their five-game West road trip in Portland and Denver.
Warriors remain must-see TV
Golden State Warriors vs Brooklyn Nets: Nov. 17, 7:30 AM on NBA TV Philippines via the new Smart GigaPlay app or Cignal TV
A lot pegged the Lakers and the Nets as Finals favorites. Well, the Warriors are making a case that they can make a deep playoff run too.
Currently with the best record in the NBA at 11-2, they've been scorching everything they set their eyes on. Their blazing the-Warriors-are-crazy-good-again start has gotten fans buzzing. Led by a frontman who's shooting the lights out in Steph Curry, the Warriors are the greatest basketball show right now. Every game, there's a potential to witness some shooting exhibition or a record waiting to be broken.
The Warriors on a tear makes their game against the Nets all the more compelling. It's the juggernaut that is Kevin Durant and the Nets facing not just Steph and the Warriors, but a really good Warriors team at that.
Will Cleveland still be rocking?
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets: Nov. 18, 8:30 AM on NBA League Pass
The Cavaliers may not be in the same tier right now as the Bulls, but they too are one of the more polarizing teams to keep an eye on. They've won six of their last seven games, inching their way out of the gallows of the Eastern Conference.
If facing the Bulls is a litmus test for other teams, then a game against the Cavaliers is checking your temperature. If you're the other team and unsure of your current standing, then the rising Cavs present a worthy challenge.
It's a busy schedule ahead for the Cavs, taking on the Celtics, Nets, Warriors, and the Nets again.
Can the Hawks turn it around?
Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks: Nov. 21, 7:30 AM on NBA TV Philippines via the new Smart GigaPlay app or Cignal TV
After the Hawks made a magical run towards the Eastern Conference Finals last season, they've fallen off a cliff to start the year. At the moment, they're 5-9, trying to catch their breath amidst a six-game skid. Last season's accomplishment may have accelerated their stock in the East and now they have a target on their backs.
The Hawks have an interesting set of games ahead of them. They're up against the defending champs Bucks, the Magic, the Celtics, and a spicy matchup against the Hornets. LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and the rest of the Hornets have had their moments, but they're barely hanging on to a .500 record.
The Hornets squaring off against the Hawks will give a good gauge of where each team stands. Even though one has more playoff experience, they're still two of the better up-and-coming teams in the league.
