Game Preview #40 - Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
by arjoseph on Jan 15, 2009 1:23 PM CST
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Print[Thanks to arjoseph for today's preview -ed.]
As the Cavs look to sweep the season series, I wonder:
Can we stop the juggernaut that is Andy Varejao?
Back on Jan. 2, Andy put up 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals in 31 minutes with Big Z out of the Cavs lineup (which he still will be). Nevermind that it was easily his best game of the year and that he just put up only 7 points and 4 rebounds against Memphis this past Tuesday (with both Big Z and Ben Wallace -- flu -- out of the lineup): I fear him, especially if Nocioni ends up playing significant minutes in the frontcourt. Since winning the game is probably out of the question, I'd at least like to win the battle of not making Varejao look like an all-star.
Will LeBron score 41 points again or will he get a triple double, again?
I guess they're not mutually exclusive, but he's done one or the other in each of the previous contests.
Is any non-Rose member of our roster worth more than Wally Sczerbiak's Expiring Contract?
I was thinking of ways to determine this. Would Cleveland trade Wally for any of our guys? Think they would take Larry back? Because that works money-wise. (There's no way in hell they do it.) Would they take Drew back? (Probably, especially with the age and frailty in their frontcourt.) They'd probably take Deng, although I don't know; that's a lot of money extending past 2010, and pretty much pushes LeBron to the power forward spot permanently. They need a shooter or some frontcourt depth. Hinrich? Again, extends past 2010, duplicates a lot of what Mo Williams already does for them, and doesn't shoot well enough to be a full-time spot-up guy. Obviously Cleveland isn't our most likely trade partner, and I don't know if we'd want Wally anyway, but still, interesting to think about. More to the point, I wonder if Cleveland will pull a deal before we do, and whether they'll get more for Wally than we will for any of our scraps.
Will we see more thrilling Rose vs. LeBron one-on-one match-ups?
When the Bulls played Cleveland in the first match-up of this year, there were a couple possessions where, via switches on picks, Rose ended up guarding LeBron. It was thrilling to see the two most physically gifted players on the floor going up against each other. Not that I like Rose's odds to win such a matchup, but for the sheer drama of it I hope we see some more moments like that tonight.
What's the over/under on minutes played by Tyrus Thomas in the 4th quarter?
I'm going to put it at 8.5. I'm an optimist. Apparently, according to 82games.com, he's averaging in the neighborhood of 7 minutes in fourth quarters this year, which surprised me (seemed high for what I've seen).
What's the over/under on minutes played by LeBron in the 4th quarter?
Let's say 9.5 here. Once again, I'm an optimist. The smart money would say that this is going to be a blowout and that LeBron will be chilling on the bench for the entire quarter. Even if it's close, why not trot out the backups to get them experience and keep resting your star for when it counts later in the year? LeBron has been averaging a bit over 8 minutes per fourth quarter, so 9.5 isn't too far off the mark, but I think (hope?) we're keeping it close in crunch time, and that LeBron will feel the need to win the game in the end. Just a hunch.
Important Cavs injuries: Big Z (out, ankle); Ben Wallace (DTD, flu)
Important Bulls injuries: Drew Gooden (DTD, groin/ankle); Deng (DTD, but probably plays again); Larry Hughes (questionalbe, pride/ego)
TV info: TNT @ 7:00 PM Central
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nice
I’ll need to get a alot of beer 4 this 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.
Big game for 4 players in my eyes
Joakim, Thomas, Deng and Rose.
For Thomas and Noah you gotta take that personal when AV goes off for 26. Man up! It’s on National TV.
For Rose this is his team and he knows this is huge for the rookie of the year audience. He does care no matter what he says. Plus your playing the best and for years to come if the Bulls put a decent team around Rose, he’ll have to go through Cleveland or whatever team James is playing for. Playing well against the best is always good for your ego.
Deng because his contract and his billing. He might wanna put up some consistent numbers for now on. He’s should be the second best player on this team. ’’Should’’ so really this to me is a big game for his reputation. People like Chris Webber have been criticizing Deng so it might be a great time to have your best game. Plus making James work on defense can’t hurt.
Dont forget
LeBron will play in the 4th to cap off a triple double regardless of the score, as per last game.
I think the Bulls keep it close until the 4th when they
can’t find a way stop Lebron. Or they win this one. Cleveland is due for a loss. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Bulls won.
I would.
It would mean 48 minutes of consistently good defense and rebounding, something we haven’t done all year. Unfortunately, Rose has never had to learn how to play defense, so we’re handicapped by having him on the floor (notice that he wasn’t in at the end of last night’s game during our “defensive lineup” phase). Add to that the fact that Noc will get at least 20 minutes (and probably up around 30), and it’s hard to imagine. The Cavs aren’t unbeatable, but the Bulls haven’t shown themselves to be the type of team that can beat them. Unless Gordon goes 75% from beyond the arc and takes 20 shots, I don’t see it happening.
I'm going to say it right now then Bulls win
by 13. Why? I have no idea….I just want a win so bad.
by ImmanuelKant on Jan 15, 2009 2:09 PM CST up reply actions
i said something like this last time we played the cavs
and the cavs laughed at the thought and dominated us.
hopefully your turn works better
Vinny Del Negro: "I'm not a puppet, I'm a REEALLL Coach!"
by chibullsfan03 on Jan 15, 2009 4:48 PM CST up reply actions
Bulls need Veektor back
for these occasions.
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 15, 2009 1:54 PM CST reply actions
"I'd at least like to win the battle of not making Varejao look like an all-star."
lol
Great pre-game write-up, man. :)
And I don’t even know if I should care to throw in a “Go Bulls” for this game.
With the previous vs in mind I fear for this one.
And that’s not even taking into consideration that our “coach” is VDN…
Simple really
Don’t guard him when he’s 20 feet from the basket.
Do guard him when he’s 10 feet and closer from the basket.
Don’t guard him on the perimeter to give him a drive.
Do guard him the perimeter to give him the shot.
This is all about knowing your personnel. We’ve played like brain dead fools the previous 3 matches. Save some face and take care of one on your home court.
12/31: Fire Vinny Del Negro.
by NBA Observer on Jan 15, 2009 3:11 PM CST up reply actions
hey
kirk hinrich is back..defense will be restored as well (i know…just let me have this…)
On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!
Nice Intro. This could be a watchable rather than laughable game tonight.
1) Our two biggest black holes may not see action. rew Gooen is out and if Vinny Del Dimbulb remembers to keep the former scourge of Cleveland, Larry Unlegend glued to the bench, this could result in more ball movement and less one-on-one, scattershot playground ball tonight (as evidenced by 33 assists against the Raptors).
2) Kirk is back providing defense and ball movement which opens the game for our flower child to do his thing.
3) Ben Wallace is out, and even though I despise the corpse’s game, it does open up the interior for more rebouding and penetration from our guards.
4) I hope that hapless Vinnie read Sam Smith’s recent column stating the only hope the Bulls have for possibly making a playoff run is to stop giving so many minutes to our 3 matadors, Gooden, Hughes & Nocioni whose defense is about as effective as the New Orleans dykes were during Katrina. He recommended playing Tyrus and Noah at least 30 minutes a game, along with expanding Thabo’s floor time to take advantage of his length, while using Aaron Gray only as a last resort to eat up garbage minutes or take a few strategic fouls.
There is little doubt that our sieve like defense and limited offensive sets must be addressed by reducing the impact of our biggest heals to start healing our biggest Achilles heel. But this also depends on Vinnie Del Notsosmart to actually start delegating his so-called coaching decisions to his staff, or at least start reading BlogaBull in his spare time, concentrating especially on the suggestions offered by NBA observor, who seems to understand what the Bulls strengths and weakness are better than our cluess GQ poster boy.
If you can't answer a man's arguments, all is not lost. You can still call him vile names.
Elbert Hubbard
Is Gooden out?
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 15, 2009 2:30 PM CST up reply actions
He's listed as day-to-day on the official report.
I haven’t seen anything more definite than that. Same for Ben Wallace.
kudos on the Vinny nicknames, btw.
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 15, 2009 2:31 PM CST up reply actions
If we play any kind of defense like we did last night
we will roll over the Cavs.
No Drew and no Hughes gives us a real good chance. Noah and Thomas have to avoid the pump fakes. Keep their feet on the ground and stand tall. Jump straight up after the shot attempt is made.
We have to do everything possible to stay out of the half court defense. We’re going to have to play it so when it does come I hope Rose can do a better job of keeping Mo Williams in front of him.
Let’s be real for a moment. We have Kirk back. And if that unselfish play returns Ben Gordon should get 10 free looks at the rim from 3 point range.
12/31: Fire Vinny Del Negro.
2 defensive problems ( although you could argue 30)
What about the play when Lebron gets the outlet or first pass after a steal and just runs as hard as he can at the rim and gets fouled. Against the Bulls it seems he finish the 3pt play a lot.
Mo Williams – I forgot if Ben or Derrick would match up against Williams but unless Kirk gets a lot of minutes on him can Derrick or Ben stop him from getting an easy 18.
if Mo shoots his way to 18 points that's fine
He won’t though. He’s going to dribble penetrate to get fouled on his way to 18 points. Mo drove to his left(Derrick’s right) every chance he got.
The key will be which Cav is setting the screen. If it is Varejao then you want to switch. A 6’ guard can stop Varejao 20’ from the rim. Make him try and post up the guard. He’s no good here. He’ll pass out if he as to post up depriving the Cavs offense of valuable seconds on the clock.
It’s going to be a good idea to put ball pressure on the Cavs on every possession with an inbounds pass. Starve them of 6 seconds just to get to half court. It will help tighten the shot clock noose on them.
12/31: Fire Vinny Del Negro.
by NBA Observer on Jan 15, 2009 3:32 PM CST up reply actions
I love thought... Well, if we don't have these players due to injuries...
…the Bulls could actually win.
OH, FOR A COACH WHO SIMPLY PLAYED THE BEST PLAYERS THE MOST!!!
Viva la nuance! Reading comprehension rules!!!
Nice Preview - you get a rec. So far the games are no match for the game previews
I’m ready for another national TV embarassment. On the bright side was some of the best passing I’ve seen the Bulls execute in quite awhile last night. Despite his last pass being a real doosy, I do think unselfish Hinrich impacts this team more than we like to admit. Sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Good job!
Thanks!
As for Hinrich, I think you’re right: he sets a tone. And on that last pass of his, he got suckered a little by Gordon. Gordon was flashing to the ball (which is what you’re supposed to do) and had his man on his left hip. Kirk was passing to where his right hand would have been if he would have continued toward Kirk. Instead, he broke to his left at the exact moment Kirk committed to passing. Not blaming Gordon, since he was just trying to get open, but it’s an understandable play in my opinion.
I thinking of
starting a website: www.firevdn.com. What do you guys think? I think it’s something that would end up in the media and if enough people visit the site to vent I think we can get through to management.
Management is a problem too
12/31: Fire Vinny Del Negro.
by NBA Observer on Jan 15, 2009 3:42 PM CST up reply actions
You're right
The only way to get through to management is through their pockets by not going to the games and not buying Bulls merchandise and that will never happen.
I find it pretty cheesy
but if you want attention that’s one way to do it.
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 15, 2009 3:46 PM CST up reply actions
The fire VDN proposal may be somewhat cheesy, but if Vinny was a florist instead of a (coach?/lol),
a bouquet of spring flowers ordered from his shop would probably wind up smelling worse than limburger cheese.
Vinny means well and is a likeable guy, but is a glaring example of the Peter Principle in action where he has been promoted beyond his level of competence. Instead of firing him, maybe us suffering fans ought to encourage management to transfer him into some PR or scouting position, while going outside for an Eddy Jordan or Van Gundy. If this isn’t practical, move up one of his assistants on an interim basis, and then next season, do a really thorough and intelligent search for a qualified coach, who can be enticed to Chicago only if and when the Bulls trade for a talented, defensive minded big to fill our gaping hole in the paint which leads to half the league getting career highs on us every other game.
Again, NBA Observer sees the forest instead of just the trees unlike poor Vinnie Dumb Novice who is as believable as a blind man who says “I see” after reviewing game film on the previous nights disaster.
If you can't answer a man's arguments, all is not lost. You can still call him vile names.
Elbert Hubbard
by Tyrusmancrush on Jan 15, 2009 4:26 PM CST up reply actions
why is it i think that we are going to get dominated in the paint and on the boards by a team without its starting center and power forward? oh, yeah that’s right…. because we played an unathletic small forward at center last game.
Apparently you have a problem with our 4 guard plus a tiny, slow, unathletic center killer lineup at crunchtime.
Is it that you are holding on the archaic notion that rebounding and defense play some kind of significant role in winning in the NBA? Vinnie, like Lovie is New Age thinking where smaller is better, except in the victory column and in the sack.
If you can't answer a man's arguments, all is not lost. You can still call him vile names.
Elbert Hubbard
by Tyrusmancrush on Jan 15, 2009 4:32 PM CST up reply actions
did we actually ever have 4 guards out there?
not that it hasn’t happened, because it has. but i thought luol was out there with noc most of the time.
but i love the description: “tiny, slow, unathletic center” for some reason that cracked me up.
yeah I think it was never Gordon/Rose/Hinrich/Thabo
either Thabo was in and Gordon was out, or Thabo was out and Deng was in. Noc played pretty much the whole 4th. Showcase!
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 15, 2009 5:15 PM CST up reply actions
http://popcornmachine.net/cgi-bin/gameflow.cgi?date=20090114&game=CHITOR
End of the 3rd Q: Noc, Thabo, Kirk, Ben, Derrick
I stand corrected
how wonderfully incompetent!
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 15, 2009 5:16 PM CST up reply actions
Jaina, I wasn't referring to last night's game, but in Vinny's past nightmare combinations
which almost makes one long for the heady days of Jim Bo%#an. This did occur when Luol was out. I am trying to erase those moments from my mind so I can at least retain a semblance of sanity while thinking about my beloved Bulls.
If you can't answer a man's arguments, all is not lost. You can still call him vile names.
Elbert Hubbard
it's all good
i mean, i’ve seen the scary 4 guard lineup. but again i just thought your description was great.
PTI: Chances Lebron gets a trib-doub on us tonight
Tony: 52%
Wilbon: 60%
Vinny Del Negro: "I'm not a puppet, I'm a REEALLL Coach!"
Dear VDN,
please try Thabo on LeBron, and stick with it a bit today, ok? Maybe it won’t work, but we already know Luol on LeBron definitely won’t work. For those keeping score, that’s 7 straight games off 33+ points against us.
Reced for the pride/ego thing too
That made me laugh out loud.
Hopefully Thabo/Deng on Lebron can slow him down, and hopefully Thomas and Noah take advantage of their bigs being hurt.
Of course, those guys have to be on the floor to acheive this, but a guy can dream, right?
Tyrus has been
going to a gym early mornings a few days a week with his shooting coach. Dave Kaplan said tonight on CTL he was at the gym this morning and at 7:30 Tyrus and his coach came in and worked on TT’s shooting for an hour and a half. The coach said TT does this before he goes to team practice at the Berto and also on game days. No matter how you feel about Tyrus the guy is making an honest effort to get better.
why hello!
haven’t seen you in quite a while!
Erm, well if we are going to call Milton Bradley nicknames, mine is Fischer Price: yes, you heard it here first..
welp, lets give them hell!
Erm, well if we are going to call Milton Bradley nicknames, mine is Fischer Price: yes, you heard it here first..
Is it me or has the UC become like the lamest arena to watch basketball in the NBA?
I know the team sucks but still just put dead people out there.
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