Bulls, Blackhawks Head West As The Circus Comes To Town

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Nov 18, 2008 6:10PM

Tigers, elephants and clowns [Ed.'s Note: God, I hate clowns. - M.G.] are filing into the United Center, which means only one thing for Bulls and Blackhawks fans -- the dreaded "circus trip." Each November, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus exiles the Bulls and Blackhawks from their home for an extended road trip. For the Bulls, the trip usually wreaks havoc with the young team's record and psyche -- since MJ left town, the Bulls are a cumulative 6-52. This year's squad, led by rookie Derrick Rose on the court and a rookie coach on the sideline, is off to a surprising 5-5 start. Will that give them the confidence to hold their own while away, or will the road trip derail their early success?

Tonight, the Bulls open up their 2008 tour of the West in Los Angeles against Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson and the rest of the 7-1 Lakers. With Kirk Hinrich out and Drew Gooden a game-time decision, it's likely the Bulls stumble out of the gate on this trip. They then head to Portland, Golden State, Denver, Utah, and San Antonio before a Thanksgiving break in Chicago on their way to Philly. That's seven games over 13 days in their visitors' red uniforms. If the Bulls can go even 3-4 on this trip, that would help build confidence that this team can rebound from last year's disappointments and contend for a playoff spot. But if they dig themselves another hole in the standings while away, that goal becomes a whole lot more difficult.

As for the 'Hawks, while they haven't historically suffered on these trips like the Bulls have, they still have a pretty wacky schedule. They play in Phoenix tonight and then head to Dallas and Toronto to finish out the week. After a few days off, it's back to the left coast for games in San Jose, Anaheim, and Los Angeles before the make their home return against Anaheim on Wednesday, December 3. It won't be easy for the young team as they've grown accustomed to their home surroundings. They've played five straight home games going into this trip and find themselves 6-1-4 overall at the UC while a paltry 1-3-1 on the road. Sitting in a three-way tie for second in their division, the Blackhawks, like the Bulls, can't afford to drop too many of the road trip games and fall behind.

Photo via NBA Store