It seems like just yesterday that Celtics guard Rajon Rondo was slapping Bulls center Brad Miller in the NBA playoffs. Ahhh, sweet, sweet memories.
The Bulls released their 2009-10 schedule Tuesday, tantalizing hoops-starved fans.
I, too, could use a little basketball in my sports-consuming diet. Too much Cubs, Sox and Bears news can give you gangrene of the mind or something.
To fill the void, and to give Bulls fans something to chew on, here is my look at the five must-see games this season — whether in person or on TV. I’ve put them on my own treat scale to even further pinpoint the games that simply cannot be missed.
Here now, my Bulls picks.
TREAT SCALE
FIVE BONES: Top-shelf matchup
FOUR BONES: Grade-A beef
THREE BONES: Lean cuisine
TWO BONES: No doggie bag required
ONE BONE: I’ve got a bone to pick
Oct. 6 vs. Utah
ONE BONE
Uhh, scratch that. It’s being played in London for some reason. And it’s a preseason game.
Oct. 29 vs. San Antonio
THREE BONES
Opening the season against the Spurs is a good test. Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and company were among the Western Conference’s best. If Parker brings along wife Eva, this immediately is upgraded to a four-treat game.
Nov. 19 at L.A. Lakers
FOUR BONES
This game is part of the dreaded circus road trip. Kobe Bryant and the Lakers often have been akin to Ringling Bros., but they put the shenanigans behind them long enough to win the title last season. In the off-season, however, they brought in that clown Ron Artest.
Dec. 12 vs. Boston
FIVE BONES
What will United Center fans have waiting for Public Enemy No. 1 Rajon Rondo when the Celts take the court? Hopefully something appropriately hard-hitting. Rondo can dish it out … . I know what the Bulls have: Derrick Rose with another star guard to own. Can’t wait.
Jan. 11 vs. Detroit
TWO BONES
Ben Gordon signed with Detroit, and boy were fans Pistoned off. Ba-dump-bump. It’s a safe bet BG will be as welcome at the UC as Lauren Conrad is at a Spencer Pratt birthday party. I can’t help but imagine Gordon draining 3s on the Bulls in a close game.
April 8 vs. Cleveland
FIVE BONES
LeBron “King” James, Shaquille “The Big Aristotle” O’Neal, D-Rose. Is there enough room for them all in the UC? The Cavs are a legit title contender with Shaq filling up the lane for them. Let’s just hope the Bulls are still in contention this late in the season to make this game interesting or I’ll be at home watching “30 Rock.”
