The Chicago Bulls (40-40) will take on the New Orleans Pelicans (30-50) on Monday night at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
The Bulls have officially been eliminated from the playoffs after the Pacers rolled over the Nets on Sunday. It will be the first time since 2008 that the Bulls won't be in the playoffs, which was the second longest current streak in the NBA. Chicago snagged an impressive 105-102 win over the Cavaliers on Saturday to keep them still in the hunt at the time. Jimmy Butler led the way with 21 points (7-17 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 5-5 FT) while adding six assists, three steals and two rebounds in 39 minutes. Cristiano Felicio scored a career-high 16 points (7-7 FG, 2-2 FT) while adding five rebounds, two blocks and an assist in 23 minutes. Taj Gibson and E'Twaun Moore are both considered doubtful for Monday's game as they continue to nurse their respective injuries.
The Pelicans will look to finish off, what has been a disappointing season, with a win in their final home game. New Orleans has gone 21-19 at home this season, which is just one of the reasons they'll be watching the playoffs from home this season. On Saturday they suffered a 121-100 loss to the Suns. James Ennis scored 18 points (8-16 FG, 2-6 3Pt) to go with six rebounds and three steals in 34 minutes in the loss. Ennis signed on for the final two games of the season with the Pelicans, as his 10-day contract was set to expire. Alexis Ajinca suffered a shoulder injury in the loss and his status for Monday night is still unknown. The Pelicans will look to stop the Bulls from sweeping them for the second season in a row on Monday.
