The Rise of the Bulls
Bulls vs Raptors: Oct. 26, 7:30 AM on NBA League Pass
The hype surrounding the new-look Chicago Bulls did not disappoint! The major overhaul gave this franchise a reason to be excited again. In their previous game against the Detroit Pistons, six players scored in double-figures, including newcomers DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball, and Alex Caruso.
The best part? The team’s chemistry is undeniable. Whether it’s unselfish basketball or just talent playing at the highest level, this new and improved Bulls team will be a problem for the East this season.
Blocked by Ayo…
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 24, 2021
then blocked by Zo!@NBCSChicago | #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/ZhXXHXDCu2
Rookie Battle: Duarte vs. Barnes
Pacers vs Raptors: Oct. 28, 7:30 AM (PHT) on NBA League Pass
Despite not being drafted in the top 10, Chris Duarte is slowly securing his role in Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle’s rotation. This Indiana team may not be on most fans’ radar, but they might have a chance if Duarte’s talent comes through all season long. They already showed flashes of their abilities, outlasting the tough Miami Heat.
Chris Duarte is off to a HOT start on NBA TV 🔥#NBARooks
— NBA (@NBA) October 23, 2021
💻: https://t.co/E0TqX69c2f pic.twitter.com/ervtCKrbK2
Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes is showing critics why the Toronto Raptors took the draftee with their No. 4 pick. This potential changemaker has already topped the Raptors’ scoring in their opening matches. While it’s definitely way too early to tell, Barnes might just be the missing piece to bring Toronto back into the playoffs.
Pinoy Showdown: Green vs. Clarkson
Rockets vs Jazz: Oct. 29, 8:00 AM (PHT) on NBA TV Philippines via Smart GigaPlay app or Cignal TV
It’s rare to have a player with Filipino blood enter the NBA -- but now we have two at the same time!
All eyes will be on the Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green and the Utah Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson (at least for Pinoy fans) on Friday. By now, everyone knows the talent Clarkson brings as the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, but Green’s arrival brings new excitement for Filipinos.
In their previous game against the Boston Celtics, Green exploded for a game-high 30 points including eight made 3-pointers. It did not result in a win, but the rookie’s ability to adjust so quickly into the big league is something to watch out for.
JALEN GREEN CANNOT. BE. STOPPED.
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) October 25, 2021
30 points for the rookie! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/r7Y8gOPBkP
Plus, It’s possible for these Fil-American guards to be matched up against each other. The game will also serve as the main event for the Jazz-Rockets Filipino Heritage Night. What a perfect fit!
Potential Playoff Matchups
Hornets vs Heat: Oct. 30, 7:30 AM (PHT) on TV5
The Eastern Conference has a handful of teams on the rise, which includes the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat. Both teams are run by young players who are still getting comfortable in the big league.
Tyler is COOKING! Game high 27 off the bench pic.twitter.com/qBwfuCunyH
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 24, 2021
Tyler Herro is on the brink of a comeback season, reminding fans why he’s known to be a bucket. Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball continues his heroics for the Hornets, quickly becoming the team’s best player. It’s not far-fetched to see these two teams meeting once again in the postseason, so this matchup should be interesting.
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