ChiTown Chatter with Matt Peck

John Lackey turned in another stellar performance in the Cubs 6-0 win today and the starting rotation is on a roll! So why is there all this talk of bringing in another starter at the trade deadline? The Cavaliers lost Game 1 of the NBA Finals last night despite just 20 combined points from Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Does Cleveland have any chance in this series? Plus, a look ahead to the Copa America Centenario! Who will be the key players for the U.S., and what are their expectations in this tournament? Call in @ 347.327.9183! BECAUSE CHICAGO LOVES SPORTS.

The Cubs have lost seven of their last eleven games. Anthony Rizzo and Addison Russell are in serious slumps at the plate, and Joe Maddon's crew doesn't appear to have the same spark it did at the beginning of the season. Are the series losses to sub-500 teams a warning sign of complacency? Plus, tonight I welcome in Max Spitulnik, hoops writer for Crooked Scoreboard. Max and I will discuss the growing trend of NBA coaches allowing their stars to go rogue rather than calling designed plays in the final seconds of close games. We'll play some hypotheticals with the remaining teams in these NBA Playoffs. Call in @ 347.327.9183! BECAUSE CHICAGO LOVES SPORTS.

The Cubs and White Sox are on top of the NL and AL. What?! How are both Chicago teams getting it done so far this season? The Bulls will have their hands full with potential trades for Jimmy Butler this offseason. Two big market teams have already made their presence felt. What might the Bulls get in return? Plus, I finish up my thoughts on the Bears 2016 draft picks. Call in at 347.327.9183! BECAUSE CHICAGO LOVES SPORTS.

The 2016 NFL Draft is complete! The Chicago Bears filled many needs with their nine total picks, some of which came courtesy of GM Ryan Pace's draft day dealings. What should fans expect from each pick in their rookie season? Who will be a starter? Is there anything they should've done differently? Plus, I welcome in a special guest to talk about the other NFC North teams and how their drafts could affect the upcoming season! Call in at 347.327.9183! BECAUSE CHICAGO LOVES SPORTS.

The Blackhawks will try to return a championship contending roster next season, but it won't be easy. GM Stan Bowman will have his back against the salary cap again, and it might mean losing more of the fans' favorite players. The NFL Draft begins in Chicago tonight! Who are the Bears looking at taking with the #11 overall pick? It better be somebody to help their defensive front seven. Call in @ 347.327.9183! BECAUSE CHICAGO LOVES SPORTS.

Last night was awesome!  Jake Arrieta threw the 2nd no-hitter of his career as the Cubs crushed the Reds.  The team's pitchers are getting it done in more ways than one this season.  The Blackhawks followed that up with a dramatic 4-3 2OT victory over the Blues to stave off playoff elimination.  The big names finally showed up when the Hawks needed them most.  Can the Hawks pull off another 3-1 series comeback?  Plus, former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau reached a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves.  Watch out for that team in the coming years!  Call in @ 347.327.9183! BECAUSE CHICAGO LOVES SPORTS.

Yesterday was crazy! The Bulls lost, all but sealing their depressing fate of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2007-08.  How did this happen, and what should fans expect in the offseason?  The Blackhawks fell 2-1 in OT to the Blues last night, which cements them as the #3 seed in the Central Division.  Whoever they face in Round 1, they'll have to beat them without home ice.  More important than home ice, however, is having a fully healthy roster ready to defend the Cup.  The Cubs put up 14 runs on Arizona last night, getting their 3rd straight win to start the season.  But it came at a price.  What is the latest on Kyle Schwarber's injury, and what does it mean for the team?  Call in at 347.327.9183! BECAUSE CHICAGO LOVES SPORTS.

The NFL finally admitted earlier this week that there is a link between football and CTE.  Why did they wait so long, and what happens now?  The floundering Bulls almost found a way to lose to the Raptors Monday, but a big game from Doug McDermott was enough to eek out a victory. Just how much has Dougie improved this season?  Plus, the Blackhawks have lost 3 straight and now their power play is on the fritz.  Can they right the ship in time for the playoffs?  Call in @ 347.327.9183! BECAUSE CHICAGO LOVES SPORTS.

The Bears were one of many teams to strike quickly when the free agent market opened this afternoon, bringing in Danny Trevathan and Bobby Massie. One will vastly improve the interior defense while the other beefs up the offensive line. The Bulls might be without Jimmy Butler for longer than they thought, while Pau Gasol keeps wracking up double doubles. Is Gasol's strong play leading the Bulls front office down the wrong path? Plus, the Blackhawks battle the Blues tonight in a Central Division showdown. They're anxiously awaiting the returns of Marian Hossa and Marcus Kruger, and the latter just got a brand new contract. Call in @ 347.327.9183! BECAUSE CHICAGO LOVES SPORTS.

The Blackhawks have several new players, and some contributed to yesterday's 3-2 win over the Washington Capitals. What do the new pieces mean for coach Joel Quenneville's lines? The Bulls lost two games over the weekend, and the shorthanded team is really feeling the absence of Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler. Meanwhile, Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors look unbeatable. Curry's recent stretch of games, including his game-saving shot over the Thunder on Saturday, are silencing any remaining critics. Call @ 347.327.9183! BECAUSE CHICAGO LOVES SPORTS.