🚨 CHICAGO BULLS ROUNDUP: Lottery Chances, McClung’s G League Success, and Buzelis’ Injury

The Chicago Bulls are continuing their rollercoaster ride of a season, and there’s plenty of news surrounding the team. From a draft lottery simulation that reflects their typical luck, to Mac McClung‘s impressive G League performance, and a frightening injury to Matas Buzelis, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s dive into the latest developments:

Bulls’ Draft Lottery Chances: Still the Same Old Bulls

As the 2026 NBA Draft looms, the Chicago Bulls are in a familiar spot — with a small chance of landing the No. 1 pick. Despite a surprise 23-point win over the Milwaukee Bucks on March 1, Chicago’s chances at securing the top pick have remained relatively steady. With a 25-37 record, the Bulls currently hold the ninth-best odds at 4.5 percent to land the No. 1 pick in the draft.

Though Chicago is still in a somewhat favorable position, the odds aren’t great. They have about a 1-in-5 chance (20.3 percent) of landing a spot in the top four picks, but history shows it’s possible to make a significant jump, even with low odds. Last year, the Dallas Mavericks had just a 1.8 percent chance of getting the No. 1 pick, and they pulled it off. The year before, the Atlanta Hawks won the lottery with only a 3.0 percent chance.

We ran five simulations on Tankathon to see how things could shake out for the Bulls. Here are the results:

• Sim 1: Bulls stay at 9

• Sim 2: Bulls stay at 9

• Sim 3: Bulls jump to 2!

• Sim 4: Bulls stay at 9

• Sim 5: Bulls stay at 9

Staying put in the ninth spot seems like a classic Bulls outcome. However, the fact that there’s even that 1-in-5 chance to jump into the top four keeps hope alive. Could this be the year the Bulls finally get lucky? Well, at least there’s a chance.

Mac McClung’s G League Success: The Bull’s Hidden Gem?

One move that flew under the radar at the 2026 trade deadline was the Chicago Bulls’ acquisition of Mac McClung. Arturas Karnisovas, the Bulls’ executive VP of basketball operations, made the decision to sign McClung to a two-way contract. McClung, a former G League MVP and three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, was brought in with the thought that he had nothing left to prove at the G League level.

Fast forward to February, and McClung is living up to his reputation. The 27-year-old guard earned G League Player of the Month honors, averaging 33.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. The Bulls have struggled to find wins with a 2-15 record in their last 17 games, and the team has a lengthy injury list that includes multiple guards.

But despite the dire situation, McClung is still playing with the Windy City Bulls rather than getting an opportunity with the big league team. It seems like a missed opportunity for the Bulls to test out the former G League standout and experiment with some fresh talent, especially with their season heading nowhere.

Matas Buzelis Injury: Bulls’ Worst Nightmare?

Just when the Bulls thought things couldn’t get worse, Matas Buzelis, their 21-year-old franchise forward, suffered an ankle sprain during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the injury itself isn’t expected to be serious, it served as a reminder of how fragile the Bulls’ season and future can be.

Buzelis has been one of the team’s brightest young stars in recent weeks, averaging 20.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks over five games between February 21 and March 1. His performance has been a bright spot during an otherwise disappointing season, and he’s shown a marked improvement with 3.4 threes per game. But with his injury, the Bulls have gotten a glimpse of their worst fear: losing their young talent at a crucial point in the season.

For a team that is already struggling with injuries and a lack of direction, Buzelis’ injury is a stark reminder that Chicago needs to protect its future assets. With the season all but over, the last thing the Bulls need is to lose Buzelis — a player who could be a foundational piece for years to come.

Final Thoughts: Bulls’ Inconsistent Future

The Chicago Bulls have found themselves in an all-too-familiar situation. The draft lottery, Mac McClung’s G League success, and Matas Buzelis’ injury all reflect the frustrations and missed opportunities that have defined this season. While the team’s immediate future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the Bulls need to prioritize their young assets and re-evaluate their long-term vision. With a core that includes Giddey and Buzelis, and the future potentially marked by top draft picks, Chicago has a chance to rebuild — but it will take a stronger focus on player development and strategic decision-making to avoid the same mistakes year after year.

The coming offseason will be crucial for the franchise’s future, but for now, they’ll have to navigate the remainder of this season with careful consideration for their young stars. Whether that means giving players like McClung a real shot or ensuring Buzelis is protected from injury, the Bulls can’t afford to squander another opportunity to build for the future.