Locked On Bulls - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Bulls

Jalen Smith, Mataz Buzelis & Caleb Wilson were on fire to start the game for the Chicago Bulls but then turnovers, 2nd chance points and the greatness of Victor Wembanyama were to much to overcome as the Bulls lose to the Spurs.


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**Billy Donovan is back in Chicago, and his return forces Bulls fans to revisit an uncomfortable question: was he ever really the biggest problem? 👀🐂**
On today’s **Locked On Bulls**, Haize and Pat react to Donovan returning to the United Center as a member of San Antonio’s coaching staff. The Spurs are 9-2 while Chicago is 1-8, raising questions about roster construction, front-office decisions and whether Tiago Splitter is being asked to solve many of the same problems Donovan faced.
The guys also break down Splitter saying Chicago needs to spread the floor and hit threes to attack **Victor Wembanyama**. The problem? The Bulls are shooting just **27.2% from three, dead last in the NBA**, despite attempting the fifth-most threes.
Plus, Atlanta’s 7-5 start creates another rebuilding debate. Have the Hawks done a better job balancing young talent, defense and proven role players while Chicago remains stuck near the bottom of the East?
**Topics include:** Billy Donovan’s return, Tiago Splitter’s coaching challenge, Bulls shooting problems, how Chicago attacks Wemby, Bryson Graham’s roster construction, and whether Atlanta’s rebuild is already ahead of Chicago’s.
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5-Hour ENERGY
Spice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip. Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon.
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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**Tiago Splitter just made a major Bulls rotation shakeup, and Buddy Hield and Leonard Miller were the ones left out. 👀🐂**
On today’s **Locked On Bulls**, Haize and Pat debate whether Chicago already has reason to question the **Rob Dillingham-for-Buddy Hield trade** after Hield received a DNP, while Jordan Hawkins and Patrick Williams earned meaningful minutes.
The guys also break down the NBA’s new **3-2-1 Draft Lottery**, where the league’s three worst teams will have only a **5.4% chance at the No. 1 pick**, while teams finishing fourth through 10th among those missing the Play-In get **8.1% odds**. Could Chicago’s 1-8 start actually hurt its rebuild instead of helping it?
Plus, **Victor Wembanyama is coming to Chicago after dropping 40 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks in just 25 minutes**. Can Nic Claxton, Jalen Smith and Tiago Splitter’s defense survive the biggest matchup nightmare the Bulls have faced yet?
**Topics include:** Bulls rotation changes, Buddy Hield and Leonard Miller getting benched, Jordan Hawkins earning minutes, the new NBA Draft Lottery rules, Bryson Graham’s rebuilding strategy, and how Chicago can possibly slow down Wembanyama.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
5-Hour ENERGY
Spice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip. Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon.
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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**Are the Chicago Bulls actually better offensively when Norman Powell isn’t dominating scoring opportunities? 👀🐂**
On today’s **Locked On Bulls**, Haize and Pat react to **Josh Giddey exploding for 19 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds**, while Matas Buzelis added 19 points on just 10 shots. With Norman Powell out, Chicago produced one of its best offensive performances of the season with 121 points, 30 assists and 52.3% shooting.
The guys debate whether Giddey should remain the clear offensive organizer, if Matas benefits from more touches without Powell, and whether Chicago’s hierarchy needs to change.
They also break down **Nic Claxton’s Bulls debut**. Claxton provided four assists and two blocks in limited minutes, but Chicago still allowed **20 offensive rebounds and 33 second-chance points**. With Victor Wembanyama coming next, is rebounding becoming the Bulls’ biggest frontcourt problem?
Plus, **Noa Essengue is forcing Tiago Splitter to rethink the rotation**. Noa finished with 10 points and seven rebounds in roughly 15 minutes while showing real on-ball defensive flashes against Philadelphia’s guards.
**Topics include:** Josh Giddey’s 15-assist breakout, Norman Powell’s role, Matas Buzelis’ efficiency, Nic Claxton’s debut, Bulls rebounding problems, Victor Wembanyama looming, and whether Noa Essengue deserves a much bigger role.
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5-Hour ENERGY
Spice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip. Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon.
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
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Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!
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Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life. Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase.
Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home.
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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**The Golden State Warriors have reportedly contacted the Chicago Bulls about Jalen Smith. Is it time for Bryson Graham to sell high? 👀🐂**
On today’s **Locked On Bulls**, Haize and Pat The Designer react to reported Warriors interest in Smith, who has averaged **12.1 points and 8.6 rebounds** while filling in for Nic Claxton. Would a protected first-round pick be enough to move one of Chicago’s most dependable players, or should the Bulls keep developing his value?
Then the guys tackle Chicago’s disastrous loss to New York. The Knicks scored **84 points in the first half**, led by Jalen Brunson outscoring the entire Bulls team by himself in the opening quarter. Even more concerning, Chicago has **not led after the first quarter in any of its first eight games**.
Is the starting lineup fundamentally broken, and should Tiago Splitter make a change now?
Plus, **Caleb Wilson had his worst game of the season**, scoring just five points before sitting for the remainder of the night after the third quarter. Meanwhile, Jaylin Sellers scored 14 points and knocked down four threes, while Patrick Williams finally returned to the rotation.
**Topics include:** Jalen Smith trade talks, Warriors-Bulls possibilities, Chicago’s defensive collapse, starting-lineup changes, Caleb Wilson’s first major rookie struggle, Jaylin Sellers earning more minutes, and whether Tiago’s constantly changing rotations are helping or hurting development.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
5-Hour ENERGY
Spice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip. Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon.
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!
Quo
Money is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/LOCKEDONNBA.
Wayfair
Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life. Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase.
Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home.
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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