Game #6 Preview: Chicago Bulls vs. Phoenix Suns
by Edicus2288i on Nov 7, 2008 2:48 PM CST
102 comments
[ed. note, 11/07/08 3:24 PM CST: No Shaq, No Matt Barnes for the Suns tonight.]
[Thanks to Edicus for today's game preview -ed.]
7:30 PM CST, CSN
Bulls
Record: 2-3
coached by Vinny Del Negro
2 game losing streak
Scored 94.0 points per game, Allowed 96.0 points per game
Suns
Record: 4-1
coached by Terry Porter
3 game winning streak
Scored 106.4 points per game, Allowed 98.2 points per game
Know Thy Enemy: Bright Side Of The Sun
PROBABLE STARTERS
| Steve Nash | PG | Derrick Rose |
| Raja Bell | SG | Thabo Sefolosha |
| Matt Barnes |
SF | Loul Deng |
| Amare Stoudemire | PF | Tyrus Thomas |
| Shaq | C | Drew Gooden |
Key Matchups:
Stoudemire vs Thomas
Stoudemire is coming off a great game. He scored 49 points on 17-21 shooting.
Tyrus has been struggling this season, but has not been given consistent minutes in the past couple games. It is going to be very tough for Tyrus, who is not a very good one-on-one defender to try to stop Stoudemire.
Gooden vs Shaq
Gooden's lack of size is going to come into play big time.
Shaq has been playing decently this season averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Gooden needs to pop out and hit the mid-range jumper, and make Shaq come out and follow him.
The Burning Questions:
- Will Hinrich/Gordon realize that Rose needs the ball in his hands at the end of the game?
- Will VDN continue to use gimmicky line-ups?
- Will Tyrus and Noah play substantial minutes?
- Can the Bulls contain Stoudemire?
- Can the Bulls end their two game skid, and beat a play-off contender?
I hope I'm wrong but my prediction is....
Suns 124
Bulls 102
GO BULLS!
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It's clear with Shaq coming in
We need to start our own White Diesel… (→ Gray….)
by BAB-Bass on Nov 7, 2008 6:40 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Compared to Shaq, Gray is more like one of those VW Golf Diesels from the early eighties.
"Rest satisified with doing well and leave others to talk of you as they please"
by Bigred15 on Nov 7, 2008 7:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why don't we call him
Whizzam (Kazzam)…
by majoyenrac on Nov 7, 2008 2:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll push that
If you help me push Mbizi…. ;)
by BAB-Bass on Nov 7, 2008 4:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Game Preview
Tyrus Thomas will have his best ever pro game…..
God I hope that happens….I need to see a good Tyrus game….
Derrick Rose will have 9 assists and 25 pts.
Gordon will start and throw in 25
Deng will have a solid game of 20
Noah won’t score much but will do all the little things and will make STAT look like Aaron Gray magically…..of course STAT will have monster numbers because Noah will only play 10 minutes and will come in only after STAT demolishes Gooden/Gray.
I know STAT plays PF these days, but work with me.
Bulls will pull off the upset and win by 3. I hope at least this one happens.
by majoyenrac on Nov 7, 2008 2:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Noah
If he didn’t play against Howard/Gasol, I doubt VDN gives him run against Shaq. I’d love for a Gooden or any other big for that matter get into quick foul trouble (maybe tonight) and Noah gets a good amount of run to show he deserves more minutes.
I'm no commie, but the Reds shall be the best again!
by RedHopeful on Nov 7, 2008 3:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
shaq
isn’t playing tonight
neither is barnes
by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 7, 2008 3:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
link?
management sez: recommend fanposts/fanshots/comments! Click 'reply' when replying to a comment! Flag jerkfaces! Be a 'Nazi' when it comes to thread duplication!
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 7, 2008 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
link
by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 7, 2008 3:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thanks!
I’ll update this.
management sez: recommend fanposts/fanshots/comments! Click 'reply' when replying to a comment! Flag jerkfaces! Be a 'Nazi' when it comes to thread duplication!
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Nov 7, 2008 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Shaq
Heard that Gray might start so he decided not to play. Now how does that taste Shaq?
by J Theory on Nov 7, 2008 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's funny
That Gray lost some weight so he’s not Big Pasty….I’d be a bit more afraid of Big Pasty to last year’s version Big Pastry.
by majoyenrac on Nov 7, 2008 4:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Go BULLS!
"You’re caught up in basketball. Get caught up in life" - Starbury's Head Tattoo
by Belize on Nov 7, 2008 3:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
So that means Robin Lopez at center?
That means both teams can play up-tempo should they desire to, Please Vinny don’t let Lopez outshine Noah.
"I’m gonna rise up, gonna kick a little ass. Gonna kick some ass in the USA. Gonna climb a mountain, gonna sew a flag, gonna fly on an eagle. I’m gonna kick some butt, gonna drive a big truck. I’m gonna rule this world. I’m gonna kick some ass. I’m gonna rise up, gonna kick a little ass. Rock, flag, and eagle!"
by Ozzie Montana on Nov 7, 2008 3:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Who takes Barnes' spot?
Hill? Tucker? Or do they start Barbosa and go right to the running lineup?
"The Zen philosopher Basho once wrote: 'A flute with no holes is not a flute, And a doughnut with no hole is a Danish.' He was a funny guy."
by Ugh It Live! on Nov 7, 2008 3:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hill is what the article says
and Barbosa hasn’t been getting much run, he’s down to about 20 mins a game. Porter’s game-plan isn’t as run and gun friendly, thus less Leandro
by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 7, 2008 3:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Barbosa is in a funk
He hasn’t gotten going all season. He lost his Mother just as the season started.
All of his numbers are down this season.
In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.
by NBA Observer on Nov 7, 2008 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Alando Tucker is out with an injury
In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.
by NBA Observer on Nov 7, 2008 4:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A comforting thought:
In every game we’ve lost, there have been stretches where we’ve clicked and competed. All three were against “contenders.” The Magic game was certainly winnable; I think the other two were as well (in the abstract). It would have required a level of team cohesion we haven’t seen sustained and probably shouldn’t expect to magically start tonight, but there were moments when we were running with the big boys. What I’m saying is that we beat ourselves in those games at least as much as we were beaten.
Tonight’s game seems like a good opportunity for us to put it together, especially with Shaq out. Nash doesn’t play defense and Amare isn’t an instinctual rim-guarder, so Rose should have another field day. The Suns play pick-and-roll (like us), so our lack of size won’t matter in defending Amare. Our lack of coordination might kill us, but if the guys can focus and hustle, we’ve got the athletes to hang.
Another interesting match-up: Grant Hill vs. Deng. Deng should be able to abuse him on offense, but can he contain him on defense?
We’re going to be inconsistent; there will be times when Gordon loses his mind, there will be times Hinrich does the unadvisable; Tyrus will miss some layups; Noc will get some bad fouls; everyone will rush shots early in the shot clock. But if we can minimize those periods and maximize the times when we actually play basketball, this could be closer than people think.
by arjoseph on Nov 7, 2008 4:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Can you truly say
“Deng should be abusing (insert name of anybody in the NBA)” with a straight face given his start to this season?
Gah! I feel I’m losing faith…
I say screw the old starting line-up. GIve me Rose, Gordon (Can’t believe I’m typing this…) Noce, Tyrus (ONE more chance you fcker!) and Noah (wake the fck up and get your head out from wherever it is!) just for a change…
Give me SOMETHING to cheer about! Please…
by BAB-Bass on Nov 7, 2008 4:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll be optimistic
I think the Bulls can win this one.
I think not having Shaq actually hurts their ability to get out and run just because they don’t have guaranteed rebounds on defensive possessions.
Rose will be Rose. Deng will stop whining and just play. Gordon will start. Tyrus is going to have a rough night. Gooden will abuse Lopez (who had no business being taken in the first round, imo.)
Bulls win
by darksmokepuncher on Nov 7, 2008 4:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I don’t really care who is starting tonight as long as we see Rose on the floor with a Deng/Thomas/Noah frontcourt for some serious minutes.
by bennythebull on Nov 7, 2008 5:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Thabo told CSN
that he is not starting but didn’t say who is.
by sue369 on Nov 7, 2008 5:40 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Mark Shanowski just said Gordon is starting
on Chicago Tribune Live.
In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.
by NBA Observer on Nov 7, 2008 5:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and yourfriendlybullsblogger
just wet his pants
by J Theory on Nov 7, 2008 5:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
All of our pants are wet now
In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.
by NBA Observer on Nov 7, 2008 5:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, my pants aren't wet,
but this is some exciting news. Imagine it: a shooting guard who can shoot.
Go Bulls!
The poster formerly known as Freethefro.
by MPG on Nov 7, 2008 5:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
dang, girl
you’re such a negative nancy this year! honestly, though – you do like the Bulls, right?
The poster formerly known as Freethefro.
by MPG on Nov 7, 2008 6:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So wait?
Who is starting Hinrich or Gordon?
by Edicus2288i on Nov 7, 2008 6:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh great...
Now another night of two bounces at the perimeter then BRICK!
by shine218 on Nov 7, 2008 6:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
in their hands.
the bulls can win this game, if they want to. if they play like they want to.
but, they will probably lose.
Did anyone notice the stats from last game? : only 1 bulls player shot over 50%.
p→q
p=Bulls big men play well.
q=Bulls win.
by chicago-homesick-blues on Nov 7, 2008 6:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Suns without two starters.
Plus, Vinny Del Negro should know this team better than any other team in the NBA, so for once he may win the intangibles on the sidelines. I am not happy about Gordon starting, but the matchups are favorable tonight…
"The whole leverage thing, it's a difficult thing to gauge" -Paxson
by Dionysus2.0 on Nov 7, 2008 6:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
i hope deng will play like grant hill, back when playing like grant hill meant something
It aint easy bein' Piatkowski
by Yibs on Nov 7, 2008 6:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
In case anyone cares...
…I’m pretty sure League Pass is still a free preview. I’m watching it now, and I haven’t paid for anything. ::shhh::
by tyger1147 on Nov 7, 2008 6:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I believe it's until Nov. 11th
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 6:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Pistons aren't looking so hot right now with Iverson
Amir Johnson kind of sucks
by NittanyCub on Nov 7, 2008 6:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hasn't it only been like 6 minutes?
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 6:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Is there an official time limit that warrants bad play?
I didn’t say it was a bad trade, I’m saying that they’re playing well right now. Oh, and Iverson just got pick-pocketed from Harris after trying to drive to the hoop
by NittanyCub on Nov 7, 2008 6:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not playing well right now*
Jesus christ I need sleep
by NittanyCub on Nov 7, 2008 6:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good lord, Vinny.
Thabo and Tyrus replaced in the starting lineup by Kirk and Gray. Shoot me in the face.
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 7:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
And then take that gun
and shoot me
by Edicus2288i on Nov 7, 2008 7:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And seriously, what in the world has Kirk Hinrich done to warrant starting?
He has been AWFUL.
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 7:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He's been better than Thabo
and that neck height apparently makes him a centimeter better than Gordon on the tallness scale.
Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.
by cranscape on Nov 7, 2008 7:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The point is...BG has done a lot more and is much more deserving to start than Kirk.
This is plain stupid.
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 7:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But we got to put our Vinny Goggles on!
What will happen is Rose/Hinrich will come out and when Gordon comes in Rose will come out and Hinrich will shift over to the PG position. Because we can’t have Gordon and Rose playing much together, right?
Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.
by cranscape on Nov 7, 2008 7:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This really doesn't mean
anything. Hughes will be the starting SG when he comes back next week. I’d bet my queendom on it.
by sue369 on Nov 7, 2008 7:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
...uh, it means Kirk is starting tonight. At SG...where he's not very good.
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 7:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What I meant it doesn't
matter who starts this next week. Next weekend Hughes will be back and he will be the regular starting SG.
by sue369 on Nov 7, 2008 7:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How do you know these things?!?!!?!?!?
by NittanyCub on Nov 7, 2008 7:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just listening to Vinny
talk whe he has been on tv. He likes Hughes.
by sue369 on Nov 8, 2008 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And seriously, if I hear Vinny say "matchups" again (which I will), I think I might throw up
Way to shatter Tyrus’ confidence, dummy.
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 7:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I quit until this team hires a competent coach.
Who to follow… Who to follow….
Oklahoma City?
by tyger1147 on Nov 7, 2008 7:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This is just abysmal, man. Even worse than I thought was possible.
Kirk AND Gray?!?!?! You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 7:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Funny how "we" know Shaq's not starting before Del Negro does.
by tyger1147 on Nov 7, 2008 7:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Gooden on Amare is going to bring the lolz tonight.
Fortunately, I think I’m going out so I won’t be witnessing this entire abomination. Or at least I hope not.
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 7:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And I'm not even mad about Thomas's confidence.
He’s gone at some point in the next year and a half, that much is certain now. So I’m making “emotional consolations” now. I’m just pissed because starting Aaron Gray goes from DUMB to DUMBER!!!
Vinny’s thought process: “Hmmm… starting my fourth best guard hasn’t worked so well. I’ll start my third best. You know what, though? I think I’ll start my fourth best big-man now. Hah! I’m so genius-y!!!!”
by tyger1147 on Nov 7, 2008 7:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But it's the matchups!!! Don't you get it?!?!!
Clearly Robin Lopez is too much for Noah to handle!!! Gray is the only man for the job!!!
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 7:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just realized the most hilariousness of this situation...
…either Gooden or Gray guarding Stoudemire.
by tyger1147 on Nov 7, 2008 7:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I just posted that like 5 seconds ago.
Horrendous.
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 7:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wanna know who calls the play for Gordon having the ball on a 3guard set?
Three’s a crowd? For anyone wondering why Ben Gordon sometimes handles the ball in half-court sets while three guards who include Derrick Rose are on the court, Del Negro has an answer.
“I call it,” Del Negro said. "At times if we feel we have an advantage with Ben in the screen-and-roll — like how we got back in the game against Orlando — we run high screen-and-roll with him.
We’re going to hear more and more about all the good things that happened in Orlando.
by NittanyCub on Nov 7, 2008 7:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
BUT HE CAN'T START!!!!!!!!!11111
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 7:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I can understand it if it's just a play or two or what-not.
Gordon is the best outside shooter, so getting him a ball-handling pull-up isn’t the end of the world. If it’s a he’s-handling-every-time-up-the-court-no-matter-what situation, though, I might have a problem.
by tyger1147 on Nov 7, 2008 7:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ya Thabo and Tyrus has been struggling
But so has Deng.
I find it funny that the two bench players that have been playing good ,Gordon and Nocioni, are not starting
by Edicus2288i on Nov 7, 2008 7:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Nocioni fucking sucks, he should never start
Same with Gray. How god damn hard is it to start the god damn better players on the team. I FEEL LIKE I’M TAKING CRAZY PILLS
by NittanyCub on Nov 7, 2008 7:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Starting Lineup By The All-Star Break
C – Gray
PF – Nocioni
SF – Sefolosha
SG – Hinrich
PG – He Hate Me
"MUAHAHAHA." - Evil Pax
by Evil Pax on Nov 7, 2008 7:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Any Larry Hughes joke is a good joke
"MUAHAHAHA." - Evil Pax
by Evil Pax on Nov 7, 2008 7:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And really, if Vinny is so into 'matchups,' why the fuck not start Tyrus to match up with Amare?
Gooden on Amare? Are you kidding me?
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 7:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
or even Joakim
he’d frustrate Amare real good….most likely to a 49-point game, though
"MUAHAHAHA." - Evil Pax
by Evil Pax on Nov 7, 2008 7:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, instead VDN picks the worst possible guys to 'match up' with Amare. Unbelievable, really.
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 7:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Norm asking where the pick and roll is in the offense
God, I wish he was coaching
by gobulls1124 on Nov 7, 2008 7:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I wish anyone else was coaching. Well, other than B!@#$%
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 7:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
somewhere
Jeff Hornacek is working on his resume
"MUAHAHAHA." - Evil Pax
by Evil Pax on Nov 7, 2008 7:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Gooden trying to take it coast to coast was pretty hilarious
When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer
by Illini15 on Nov 7, 2008 7:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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