Eastern Conference First Round#2 Boston Celtics (62-20) vs. #7 Chicago Bulls (41-41)
The Chicago Bulls enter the playoffs playing their best basketball of the season. Since bringing in SF John Salmons and C Brad Miller from the Sacramento Kings in a deadline trade, the Bulls have gone 18-11 to finish the season at .500. In a matchup that brings back memories of the 80's they take on the defending NBA champions, the Boston Celtics.
Offensively, the Bulls are carried by rookie sensation PG Derrick Rose, SG Ben Gordon, and Salmons. Gordon led the team in scoring with 20.7 points per game, Salmons averaged 18.8 per game, and Rose was the one who brought it all together with 16.8 points per game, and 6.3 assists per game. On the defensive end the Bulls rely on PF Tyrus Thomas, who led the team in blocks with 1.9 per game and get contributions on the glass from Miller (7.3 rebounds per game) and C Joakim "Dog Face" Noah (7.6 rebounds per game).
The Celtics are known for their Big Three, SG Ray Allen (18.2 points per game), SF Paul Pierce (20.5 points per game), and PF Kevin Garnett (15.8 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game). Breaking news this morning is that Garnett is likely out for the playoffs. This deals a big blow to the Celtics and greatly enhances the Bulls chances in this series. Oftentimes overlooked but just as important to the Celtics success is PG Rajon Rondo. Rondo put up 8.3 assists per game and was on fire when the season began. He cooled considerably as the season wore on and the Celtics will need him to catch fire again for the playoffs. C Kendrick Perkins quietly had a nice season, leading the team in blocks and rebounds per game. The Celtics also possess considerable depth, PG Eddie House, PF Leon Powe, PF Glen "Big Baby" Davis, and PG Stephon Marbury, can all provide a spark.
The battle between Rose and Rondo will be fun to watch, as will watching Allen on Gordon. The bigs should also be entertaining to watch as the Celtics throw Powe and Davis against Noah, Miller, and Thomas. The Bulls are a better scoring team than the Celtics but are much worse defensively, giving up 9 more points per game. Another factor to consider will be the home courts. The Celtics struggled mightily on the road in the playoffs last year, and playing in Chicago will prove to be a challenge as the Bulls were a very good home team. Conversely, the Cetlics were almost unbeatable at home in the playoffs last year, bad news for the Bulls, who were an awful road team this season.
I like the Bulls chances a lot better now that Garnett won't be playing, however, the Celtics have shown throughout this season that they can win without him. I think the Bulls will take the Celtics to the limit but the home court will prove to be the difference in game 7.
Prediction: Celtics over Bulls, 4-3
1 comment:
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