[Note by your friendly BullsBlogger, 12/09/09 3:20 PM CST: Hinrich may play tonight. ]

[Thanks to 'Orange Juice' for today's game preview -ed.]

I bought tickets to the game tonight when they went on sale in September, and now I'm trying to convince myself to still go. I also did not envision doing this game preview after a loss to the Nets. But it is what it is, and we're only one game out of the playoffs - not sure if this is a positive or a negative, I mean all we need are a few ping-pong balls..

Meanwhile, the Hawks have separated themselves from the rest of the East and are hanging out with the top three in the standings. They're coming off a three-day layoff after beating the Mavs in Dallas, so maybe they will be rusty and disinterested to start the game. And they know we lost to the Nets last night, so maybe that helps too?

That's all I got guys. Unless we follow the Knicks formula last week (get Josh Smith ejected, shoot 58%), I don't see the Bulls having any chance tonight. I think the question is whether or not we will get blown out.

We're gonna miss Tyrus and Hinrich even more this game ... "J-Smoove" is gonna dominate whoever matches up with him (Tyrus would've at least matched his athleticism) and Jamal Crawford is gonna score on anyone who matches up with him (Hinrich would've at least been able to play some defense). I think those two guys are the reasons why the Hawks have improved this year. Josh is playing smarter (he's only taken 3 three-point attempts this season) and is leading the league in blocks. The place just erupts every time he blocks or dunks it. And Jamal is providing that second scoring option (16 ppg off the bench) behind Joe Johnson.

Intriguing matchup between the two guys from Florida, Horford and Noah. Anything else worth looking forward to?