The Chicago Bulls edged their way into the playoffs last year by finishing 41-41. They were beaten in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the Miami Heat received all the attention this offseason, the Bulls were also busy bringing in some high-quality talent. The young nucleus of the team is still intact, but they have added some pieces that should definitely make them a threat in the Eastern Conference this year. Expectations are high, and the Bulls appear ready to take a large step forward in 2010-11.

Chicago Bulls Offseason Moves
The first move of the offseason for the Bulls was to replace Head Coach Vinny Del Negro. Tom Thibodeau was the man they tapped to take over the top spot. Thibodeau is seen as a defensive genius, so expect this team to be improved on the defensive end. Though they weren’t able to bring in any of the ‘Big Three,’ the Bulls made a big splash when they brought in Carlos Boozer. Boozer is a force on the glass, and he should be good for 18-20 points per game this season. I fully expect Boozer to fit into Thibodeau’s system well.

Boozer may have been the biggest free agent signing, but he wasn’t the only one. Kyle Korver is the long-range shooter they have needed for the last few years. Ronnie Brewer is a lockdown defender who will be asked to guard the opposing team’s best offensive player on many occasions. Indeed, all three of these guys did play for Utah last season, which could be helpful for the Bulls, since they all have experience playing together.

2010-11 Chicago Bulls Betting Preview: Outlook
Derrick Rose is still the leader of this team, and he has proven he is ready to take that next step to the elite level of NBA point guards. Joakim Noah is one of those guys who can change the game without scoring. Noah isn’t popular anywhere other than Chicago, but he leaves it all on the court every single game. Taj Gibson has developed his game quickly, and he is a great role player for this team. Luol Deng is underrated in many circles, but he is solid and has a great jump shot.

It will be interesting to see how Boozer and Noah will work together down low for this team. I think they should complement each other quite well given their skill sets. The combination of a great point guard and a low-post scoring threat like Boozer should open up the mid-range and outside jump shot for guys like Deng and Korver.

The Chicago Bulls schedule has been released, and you can expect to see quite a bit of this team on national television this season. Almost half of the Bulls games, 39 to be exact, will be shown on a national television station. The season gets started with a home date against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 27. In early March the Bulls will be in the middle of a five-game road trip, which ends with a date on March 6 at Miami. On April 7 the Bulls will host the Boston Celtics in a game that could have playoff seeding implications.

2010-11 Chicago Bulls Futures Odds
The books know the Bulls went out and made some big moves this offseason, and they are definitely giving them the respect they deserve. The Bulls are listed as the sixth favorite to win the NBA Championship at a price of +2,400. The Bulls are listed at +875 to win the Eastern Conference. What about their chances in the Central Division? The Bulls are the heavy favorites to win the Central at -125. All odds listed are from 5dimes.

2010-11 Chicago Bulls Predictions
The Bulls will have a much different look this season, and there is little doubt that this team should be much improved. The one area that is a question is the shooting guard position, but overall the Bulls have a very deep roster. Rose is turning into one of the best players in the NBA, and he now has plenty of help on this roster.

If the Bulls embrace Thibodeau’s defensive system, I do think they have a good chance at being one of the top three seeds in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls should win at least 50 games this year, and they will be a tough out in the playoffs.

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