5 reasons the Chicago Bulls can upset the Boston Celtics

Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) is surrounded by Chicago Bulls including forward Bobby Portis (5) and guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the fourth quarter of the Chicago Bulls 106-102 win over the Boston Celtics in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) is surrounded by Chicago Bulls including forward Bobby Portis (5) and guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the fourth quarter of the Chicago Bulls 106-102 win over the Boston Celtics in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Bobby Portis has been freed

Bobby Portis was selected with the 22st overall pick by Chicago in the 2015 Draft after winning SEC Player of the Year honors at Arkansas. The 6-foot-11, 246-pound big man rode the bench during most of his first year and a half in the NBA, but he played extremely hard and flashed good play when he saw the court.  This inspired Bulls fans to start the #FreeBobbyPortis movement to voice their opinion that he should see more playing time.

The #FreeBobbyPortis fans have got their wish following the trade that sent veteran power forward Taj Gibson to the Thunder. Portis alternated between riding the bench and having a role in the rotation before the trade; he largely split the power forward role with Nikola Mirotic afterwards. His contributions helped offset the loss of Gibson and aided Chicago in securing a playoff berth down the stretch. Portis played fairly well and proved what many already felt: he is ready to play extended minutes in the NBA.

Chicago needs Portis’ contributions during this series. Whereas Mirotic provides excellent shooting and playmaking from the power forward position, Portis plays as more of a traditional power forward. He makes a high percentage of his looks, rebounds well on both ends, and is a strong defender. With Dwyane Wade back in the Bulls lineup, that is what Chicago needs from the power forward position. Portis’ 19 points and 9 boards were big in the Bulls securing Game 1, and proved that he can be a difference-maker in this series. Though Portis probably doesn’t go 3-4 on 3-pointrs again, he should continue to prove himself and make a difference against Boston.