The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for the Bears’ season finale in Minneapolis:

Rick Morrissey

Vikings, 24-17: A bad season comes to an end in the only way it should, with coach Matt Nagy being shown the door following another loss. We probably won’t know for a day or two whether he’ll be joined by general manager Ryan Pace, but this is a start — and an ending. Thank goodness. Season: 13-3.

Rick Telander

Vikings, 26-20: Let’s call this the Omicron Bowl and be done with it. I have no idea who will or won’t be playing–even America’s favorite anti-vax QB Kirk Cousins could test positive again before the coin toss. Lots of firings, cuts, booster shots, permanent vacations after this one. Cars packed. Resumes in hand. Buh-bye! Season: 12-4.

Patrick Finley

Vikings, 24-21: The next game played between these two teams figures to feature two new head coaches — and at least one new quarterback. Neither team has anything to play for Sunday. NFL Week 18 fever — catch it! Actually, don’t. Wash your hands instead. Season: 12-4.

Jason Lieser

Bears, 33-28: This will come down to which team hasn’t totally checked out. Nagy is eager to leave with a win, with or without quarterback Justin Fields. Season: 13-3.

Mark Potash

Bears, 23-20 (OT): The Bears have won two straight and are determined to end a dreadful season on a good note. They’re 3-0 at U.S. Bank Stadium under Nagy. No telling what Cousins and the Vikings will do now that they’re eliminated. Season: 12-4.

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The chemistry came quickly.

A reminder of that was again on display Thursday, as Zach LaVine was petitioning for the Bulls to have a backcourt monopoly in the All-Star voting for the Eastern Conference.

With the release of the first fan vote, DeMar DeRozan was atop the guards with 1,487,598 votes, followed by James Harden (892,065), Trae Young (862,878) and then LaVine easily holding down the No. 4 spot with 776,043 votes.

LaMelo Ball – yes, younger brother of the Bulls’ Lonzo was behind LaVine, but with only 422,247 votes.

The only other Bull in the top 10 was Nikola Vucevic, who was 10th in the frontcourt voting with 92,936.

“We don’t have any egos,” LaVine said recently when discussing the mindset that has allowed him and DeRozan to not only co-exist, but catapult the Bulls to first place in the Eastern Conference. “Regardless of who has it going that night or who has it going in a quarter, we’ll both come together and look for other guys and get them involved throughout the game and just try to figure out how to win the game. That’s been the first and foremost thing that has helped this team.”

That’s why LaVine had no shame in politicking for next month’s All-Star Game

“We’re number one in the East right now,” he told reporters. “We’re putting up great numbers. DeMar is having I feel like an MVP-type season. And I don’t feel like I’m that far behind him.”

Not the only interesting comments to come out of the organization on Thursday, concerning the closeness of this roster, and the chemistry they have going.

Executive vice president of basketball Arturas Karnisovas did a rare in-season interview on 670 The Score, and talked about the roster chemistry and the importance of it so far throughout this regular season. He made it very clear that disrupting it is not a high priority.

“I think we’d like to see how this group works together, and we’ve got to be really sensitive to any changes, if any, we will have,” Karnisovas said when discussing trade possibilities. “Like I said, these guys have a great locker room, a great vibe. They like each other. It’s a joy to watch what they’re doing on the floor. But of course, there’s room to improve as a group and I’m looking forward to watching them.”

One warning when it comes to Karnisovas?

Other executives have insisted that he was one of the tougher front office executives to read, and that was back in his Denver days. Since coming to the Bulls that poker face has become even less telling.

So while he was saying all the right things about keeping the current personnel locked in, that could be the message he wants the rest of the league to carry while he works behind the scenes or he just doesn’t like what’s being floated around out there on the trade table yet.

The Feb. 10 trade deadline is still a ways out, and with the standings still knotted up tightly there’s sellers that haven’t even stepped to the table yet.

What’s available today might have Karnisovas wanting to keep the close chemistry intact, but that could all change tomorrow.

The Bulls would also have to decide if they are willing to give up on a Coby White or a Patrick Williams, considering that would be the best realistic assets they have in order to bring back help to the frontcourt, which they need badly.

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NBA fans have made the Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan a sixth man of sorts.

DeRozan leads the fan tally for Eastern Conference guards in results released by the NBA on Thursday with 1,487,598 votes. Zach LaVine is fourth with 776,043 votes.

Stephen Curry of the Warriors and the Nets’ Kevin Durant are the overall leaders in the Western and Eastern conferences, respectively. Only Curry, Durant, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic have more votes than DeRozan.

DeRozan has emerged as a team leader for the Bulls, and acquired the nickname “King of the Fourth” for his consecutive game-winning buzzer-beaters against the Pacers and Wizards.

The league will release the next All-Star fan voting update on Jan. 13. Fan voting at NBA.com closes on Jan. 22.

The All-Star Game will be Feb. 20 in Cleveland.

Eastern Conference

Frontcourt

Kevin Durant (BKN) — 2,360,435
Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) — 2,145,835
Joel Embiid (PHI) — 1,236,060
Jayson Tatum (BOS) — 643,970
Jimmy Butler (MIA) — 522,513
Jarrett Allen (CLE) — 168,019
Bam Adebayo (MIA) — 141,693
Miles Bridges (CHA) — 122,554
LaMarcus Aldridge (BKN) — 111,318
Nikola Vucevic (BULLS) — 92,936

Backcourt

DeMar DeRozan (BULLS) — 1,487,598
James Harden (BKN) — 892,065
Trae Young (ATL) — 862,878
Zach LaVine (BULLS) — 776,043
LaMelo Ball (CHA) — 422,247
Kyrie Irving (BKN) — 267,929
Derrick Rose (NYK) — 232,501
Tyler Herro (MIA) — 122,224
Darius Garland (CLE) — 119,399
Fred VanVleet (TOR) — 108,529

Western Conference

Frontcourt

LeBron James (LAL) — 2,018,725
Nikola Jokic (DEN) — 1,649,809
Paul George (LAC) — 1,072,591
Andrew Wiggins (GSW) — 933,355
Draymond Green (GSW) — 691,423
Anthony Davis (LAL) — 592,281
Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN) — 474,794
Carmelo Anthony (LAL) — 319,128
Rudy Gobert (UTA) — 218,819
Deandre Ayton (PHX) — 177,115

Guards

Stephen Curry (GSW) — 2,584,623
Luka Doncic (DAL) — 787,690
Ja Morant (MEM) — 669,033
Klay Thompson (GSW) — 367,743
Devin Booker (PHX) — 338,526
Chris Paul (PHX) — 315,912
Donovan Mitchell (UTA) — 217,546
Damian Lillard (POR) — 211,352
Russell Westbrook (LAL) — 210,065
Anthony Edwards (MIN) — 128,863
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Still reeling from New Year’s Eve festivities? If your go-to method of recovery is hair of the dog, you’re gonna grab a Bloody Mary. The classic cocktail is a double-edged sword—sure, there’s tomato juice and celery, but there’s also vodka. Drinking alcohol to slow down a hangover? Yeah, it’s a thing and these spots in Chicago are really good at it.

Of course, you can also go for a bottomless mimosa, or both!

3137 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647

Come to The Duplex for their brunch offerings, specifically, the awesome Bloody Mary that comes with real beef jerky! Their Marys are fairly spicy, so if you’re a hard-core Bloody Mary drinker, we definitely recommend you to check it out. They also have awesome mimosa options!

224 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601

Come enjoy Venteux’s renowned bloody mary bar! If you missed celebrating National Bloody Mary Day this month, might as well make it a month-long celebration. Make your own Mary with your favorite hot sauce, and control how spicy (or mild!) you’d like them to be. Choose from different mixes and toppings and see if you do better than your friends!

225 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601

Looking for one of the best Bloody Marys in Chicago? Come to Sweetwater Tavern & Grille. This place totally lives up to the old phrase that a good Bloody Mary is a full meal itself. I mean… just look at this thing! Are those pork belly slices in the drink? And is there an onion ring!? Say no more. Seems like it’s time to make a reservation!

1545 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Dove’s Luncheonette is a Tex-Mex fave with retro vibes—complete with a jukebox! The all-day diner in Wicker Park is known for its southern-inspired Mexican cuisine and tequila and mezcal-focused bar. The Bloody Marys are also nothing to bat an eye at. Dove’s House Bloody Mix adds a little smoke and spice to the Bloody Mary and Bloody Maria (tequila alternative).

2311 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

This popular vegetarian spot in Wicker Park has your standard Bloody Mary, made with the house mix, but for something special, upgrade to the Bloody Hammer. This bold drink uses Tito’s vodka, smokey bitters, and the house mix. It’s topped with a fried pickle that’s soaked in spiked tomato juice, peppers, and finished with a celery salt rim. You can also add a Highlife Pony for $1.

501 N Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

This West Town biker bar has some of the best burgers in town and a robust bar, including some of the largest beer and whiskey selections. Three Bloody Mary options make great pairings to your weekend brunch.

The Road Rash Mary is your classic Bloody with Genoa salami, parmesan cheese, and pearl onion. Try the Smoking Salma for a little spice courtesy of the smoked chipotle, chorizo, and cherry pepper, along with pickled garlic and pearl onion. Finally, the Bloody Maria uses jalapeño tequila as an alternative to vodka, chorizo, cherry pepper, pickled garlic, and pearl onion.

938 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Pizza’s great. Bloody Marys are great. Put them together and you’ve got yourself a party in Homeslice’s Bloody, voted as one of Chicago’s best. The oversized cocktail comes topped with a cold slice of Hawaiian pizza along with pepperoncini and pepperoni. Cold pizza’s always a good idea and even more so atop a Bloody Mary. Sounds like the perfect recipe to slow down your hangover.

3636 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

1804 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Smoke Daddy is a local fave for BBQ classics like brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. If you’re a big fan of BBQ, your drink will show it too! Smoke Daddy’s Famous Bloody Mary uses “Smokin’ Mary,” the house mix that blends tomato and BBQ sauce along with good od’ vodka. The cocktail is topped with a smoked pork rib and accompanied by sidecar. Additions include applewood smoked bacon, cucumber vodka, jalapeño tequila, and Ketel One.

2657 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Longman & Eagle is a Michelin-starred restaurant and lodge in Logan Square. Like their concept, the menu and overall vibe is unique, simple, and elegant. Enjoy brunch with not one, but three Bloody Mary varieties, each made with the house mix that has been a local favorite for years. 

The classic Bloody Mary uses vodka, Bloody Larry mixes with whiskey, and Bloody Maria opts for tequila. You’ll also get a lemon, lime, and a sharp cheddar cube and mini pickle to top it all off.

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Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields is nearly certain to miss the season finale against the Vikings after testing positive for the coronavirus.

The Bears put Fields on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday morning. He is vaccinated, but is highly unlikely to meet the NFL’s threshold for returning to play by Sunday. That means the Bears will probably start veteran Andy Dalton for the second week in a row.

Fields’ rookie season has been turbulent in every way and it likely ends after 10 starts. He completed 58.9% of passes for 1,870 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a 73.2 passer rating. He also rushed for 420 yards (5.8 per carry) and two touchdowns.

He began the season as Dalton’s backup, but took over for him when Dalton got a bruised bone in his knee in Week 2. Fields started the ensuing games against the Browns and Lions and was made permanent starter.

That didn’t last, though, because he suffered cracked ribs against the Ravens in Week 11 and missed the next two games. He also hurt his ankle in Week 15 against the Vikings, leaving Nick Foles to start against the Seahawks and Dalton to start last week against the Giants.

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Thursday morning, Chicago Bulls Vice President Arturas Karnisovas joined the Mully & Haugh show and gave us all plenty of good stuff.

In the midst of one of the best Bulls seasons in the past two-plus decades, Karnisovas deserves to be excited. He should be. His optimism and excitement around these Bulls was evident.

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The Chicago Blackhawks made a horrid trade on July 9th, 2019 when they sent Henri Jokiharju to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Alex Nylander. Jokiharju was probably a bad draft pick anyway but he is a solid bottom pair defenseman at times. He is certainly more valuable to an NHL team than Alex Nylander and always was.

Nylander was a former top-ten pick in the NHL Draft by Buffalo but he didn’t pan out the way that people would have thought. He has struggled to score goals and create for other linemates during his time in the league.

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