Game Preview #25 - L.A. Clippers vs. Chicago Bulls

by Duhon's Hangover on Dec 17, 2008 1:52 PM CST Comment 39 comments

[Thanks to Duhon's Hangover for today's game preview. -ed.]

It is an understatement to say that the Bulls are coming from a tough loss. The Charlotte Bobcats, then 7-18, were without Gerald Wallace (death in the family) and Raja Bell (ejected in the first quarter), and yet Larry Brown still managed to pull the rug out from under the Bulls. Even with strong games from both Ben Gordon and Tyrus Thomas, our fearless leader showed that he was still human and had a dismal game by his standards which to say, was much better than the game that Larry Hughes had.

Regardless of the results of the game and the impending walk of shame after such a loss, we still have a game against another sub .500 team, the Los Angeles Clippers at home in the United Center.

The Clippers are currently on a 3 game win streak led by Zach Randolph, who is averaging 25.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and shooting 52.2% since being traded from the Knickerbockers (see Randolph in all his glory). Baron Davis has been playing consistently (after dropping a few lbs thanks to Jenny Craig). Eric Gordon, or, the prodigal recruit of Bruce Weber, has elevated his play (he's learning the NBA system and his initial draft comparison was Ben Gordon). And Thornton continues to play well, but it has to be taken with a grain of salt since he is a 25 year old sophomore.

With these four guys on the court, the Clippers are proving to be troublesome for opposing teams after starting as slow as they did. Kaman is out with a foot injury, but the Clippers also have the former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Camby, to anchor the ship as Camby is having another good season, posting averages of 11pts 12rebs and almost 3blks. They do not play particularly well on the road (4-7), but have won 8 of the past 9 games played at the United Center.

The Bulls have an 8-3 record at home and should pull a W from Mike Dunleavy Sr. and the Clippers crew. Rose is strong enough to rebound after last night's slump and, maybe just maybe if we wish hard enough with a cricket on our shoulders, Tyrus can be as effective against an offensively-minded Zach Randolph. Ben Gordon has been hot as of late and his numbers should continue to be strong and hopefully, Larry Hughes can shake off his "leaning" shooting woes from last game. Luol has been fighting the flu bug, but it didn't seem of effect his shot as he was 7-8 from the field in 28mins of action. The Bulls have responded well to tough losses and should bounce back tonight, and get one step closer to .500, but they will most likely to fall behind the eight ball this week as they face the Sh*t Talking Machine that is the Celtics on Friday.

“That’s why you love the NBA, you’ve got another game tomorrow.” - Derrick Rose, post Bobcats Game

My prediction: Bulls 101 - Clippers 89, BIG MACS TONIGHT.

Random Thoughts:

Kaman to the Bulls? We've been discussing this forever now but C'mon... Clippers have way too many big men now.
I'm tired of talking about Tyrus Thomas. The Bulls coaching staff is hesitant to let this guy out of his cage. Why doesn't he flash the middle constantly instead of hanging out on the wings?
Did anyone read the Baron Davis interview in Sports Illustrated? Just Fear the Beard.

Check out the game on WCIU the "U" at 7:30 pm CST.

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"Eric Gordon jilted the The U of I.....

watch him live….tonight at 7:30 on the “U”.

by Ayeljay54 on Dec 17, 2008 2:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Nice preview,

I’m having a big time Bulls hangover. Last night’s game was the first one where I deliberately avoided ESPN and all other sports channels because I was so pissed off I couldn’t take seeing any highlights of the game. Last night was by far the worst. Not just because the opponent, but because normally after a tough loss I could look at the box score and be happy (despite the result) because Derrick Rose is amazing and probably had an overall good night. But, not yesterday. No, yesterday D Rose was probably the reason we lost, so it hurt twice as bad. Oh well, go Bulls.

by Juiceboxjerry on Dec 17, 2008 2:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

yeah, it was pretty disheartening

though i don’t know that it was as disheartening as losing by 42 pts to portland. both of those games are up there.

by Jaina on Dec 17, 2008 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yea, the Portland game was #2 for me.

The crappy part of that game was that it was on national tv. But for me, because we played th Bobcats last night, it has to move to #1

by Juiceboxjerry on Dec 17, 2008 2:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i definitely understand.

i’ve been questioning my desire to watch tonight’s game because of last night.

by Jaina on Dec 17, 2008 2:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice preview

I couldn’t post or watch any basketball after that loss. For me – this was one of the most heartbreaking losses we had the past two years. Hopefully Rose learns from this and rebounds from a terrible game last night.

by chgobr on Dec 17, 2008 2:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

Rose played, Tyrus and Noah played. Not too shabby. Playing down to competition is a common thing in the NBA. Getting blown out by 40 isn’t.

I’d say some of those patented [name redacted] games where they fell apart in the 2nd half with a small-ball lineup was way way worse. Like that home game against Washington…I was at that one, argh.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 17, 2008 3:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But Nocioni had posterized Stewie at that game!!!!

No doubt you were leading the “No-ci-oni clap clap clap clap” chants from your luxury box seat next to Paxson.

Vinny Del Negro interviewed for the job today. I mean come on! Nobody else thinks this is nuts?
by Juiceboxjerry on Jun 6, 2008 4:21 PM CDT actions actions 0 recs

by Ozzie Montana on Dec 17, 2008 3:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Would really enjoy a dominating game tonight

after what happened yesterday…

What to do, with Larry Hughe?

by Rudey on Dec 17, 2008 2:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'd bet on the Bulls to win this game

Zach Randolph has been playing hard. I think he’s the difference maker. The Bulls have to stop him.

"There is a difference between having two guys banging down low and having two guys who can bang down low." - Blazin'

by tominhawaii on Dec 17, 2008 2:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That should be no problem...

…with all of our quality big men.

by kidronmusic on Dec 17, 2008 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice

"There is a difference between having two guys banging down low and having two guys who can bang down low." - Blazin'

by tominhawaii on Dec 18, 2008 5:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We need a good win

was it me or did espn have a field day on rose’s bad game?

"If there’s any haters in here right now that don’t have nobody to hate on, feel free to hate on me." - A.P.N.S.

by Belize on Dec 17, 2008 3:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

you

since you’re watching ESPN

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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 17, 2008 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

touche

"If there’s any haters in here right now that don’t have nobody to hate on, feel free to hate on me." - A.P.N.S.

by Belize on Dec 17, 2008 3:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I dont care if the Clippers are hot or no

I won’t accept anything more than a win after yesterday’s embarrassment. We play at home and we have to keep winning at home…

http://comunidadebulleana.blogspot.com/ - Comunidade Bulleana (O blog dos Bulls em Portugal)

by bull83 on Dec 17, 2008 3:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

what you mean you don't accept it

like, if they don’t win you’re going to do something about it?

by CJOliveira on Dec 17, 2008 3:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

Maybe break my computer. Doing that, I wont have to see them being smashed by the Celtics on friday…

http://comunidadebulleana.blogspot.com/ - Comunidade Bulleana (O blog dos Bulls em Portugal)

by bull83 on Dec 17, 2008 3:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the last time tyrus played

the Celtics he had a pretty solid preseason and one regular season game under his belt. That all went out the window after he played KG. Now that he is finally righting himself, I really hope KG doesn’t break him again.

by silentpete on Dec 17, 2008 4:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Zach Randolph against our bigs.....woo fantasy numbers

I don’t know what to expect. I just want them to play hard, AND STOP BEING AFRAID OF THINGS WHEN YOU CAN’T RUN THE SAME PLAY 10 TIMES IN A ROW YARRRRRGH.

Seriously Vinny, teams catch on. You can’t run the same staggered screen for BG, or that lazy pick and pop with Rose and Drew. Improvise a little, you’re the freaking coach of a NBA team. I think we all need to chip in and buy those Better Basketball DVDs they advertise on NBA TV all the time.

Vinny Del Negro interviewed for the job today. I mean come on! Nobody else thinks this is nuts?
by Juiceboxjerry on Jun 6, 2008 4:21 PM CDT actions actions 0 recs

by Ozzie Montana on Dec 17, 2008 3:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Fun Vinny Del Negro trivia from ClipsNation

What was the significance of the trade that brought Vinny Del Negro to the Clippers at the end of his pro career?

Correct…
The Clippers got Del Negro’s contract to reach the NBA minimum salary… they also got cash in the deal. In the same deal, Orlando gave up a draft pick that would become Amare Stoudemire and Bo Outlaw (a contract they wanted to get rid of) for Jud Buechler. I’m saying Phoenix was the winner on that trade.

Vinny Del Negro interviewed for the job today. I mean come on! Nobody else thinks this is nuts?
by Juiceboxjerry on Jun 6, 2008 4:21 PM CDT actions actions 0 recs

by Ozzie Montana on Dec 17, 2008 3:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Noc supposedly questionable with back spasms...

bet he plays

by reprisal on Dec 17, 2008 4:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I believe he was the same stats last night

Vinny sees the fire, tears up, says “Noc! get out there!”. Then bites his quivering lip as Noc heroically gets a technical foul whining to the refs.

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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 17, 2008 4:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LETS HOPE DROSE BOUNCES BACK LIKE AFTER PORTLAND

by dannyp07 on Dec 17, 2008 4:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Percentage chance of him having back to back bad games?

1.7%

by Option27 on Dec 17, 2008 4:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I see what you did there...and

I like it.

"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 Dec 17, 2008 4:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm almost hoping

for Randolph/Camby to have a good game against us because if not, Pax will think of reasons not to try and trade for them.

"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 Dec 17, 2008 4:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think we lose big.

I think our “bigs” are going to get feasted on, and that includes Luol Deng. I smell big games for Al Thornton, Marcus Camby and Zach Randolph.

by dakoose on Dec 17, 2008 4:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Should probably be a different fanpost but

has Luol ever been ejected from a game? I can’t recall ever seeing that. The guy needs a fire lit under his ass. Someone, anyone needs to emerge as the leader of this team and if it takes an ejection then so be it…at least we’ll know these guys care about winning and losing.

"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 Dec 17, 2008 4:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I tend to think you can be a leader without having yourself removed from the game

And ultimately forcing the team to play better without you, I think that’s kind of selfish. Vinny can bite the bullet and get ejected, not like he does shit anyways.

Vinny Del Negro interviewed for the job today. I mean come on! Nobody else thinks this is nuts?
by Juiceboxjerry on Jun 6, 2008 4:21 PM CDT actions actions 0 recs

by Ozzie Montana on Dec 17, 2008 5:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And then Bernie and Del take over...

I think Vinny should get ejected everytime we go down by 10 or more…

by kidronmusic on Dec 17, 2008 7:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You can be a leader without getting ejected,

but it’s difficult to be a leader without a fiery personality. Most leaders aren’t the quiet type, and even if they don’t berate their teammates in public, stories usually emerge about how they assert themselves behind closed doors. This team needs someone that wants it bad, and is willing to say or do what it takes to get others to realize that they need to start playing.

by dakoose on Dec 18, 2008 11:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Would have like Noc to step up and take that fall...maybe get a few extra days off too

by reprisal on Dec 17, 2008 6:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

yea

the thing with Noc that surprises me most, is that he has become so damn slow. How do u lose speed like that with a matter of 18 months so dramatically. He used to be able to keep up with practically all sf in the league and would even guard a lot of the bigger SG effectively, now matt freaking carrol runs circles around him and juwan howard is able to blow right by.

by Sambossanova on Dec 17, 2008 7:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs