Game Preview #43: Chicago Bulls at San Antonio Spurs

by Ozzie Montana on Jan 25, 2010 3:29 PM CST

[Thanks to Ozzie Montana for today's game preview (Sign! Up!). Noah likely out, Rose now sick -ed.]

As the 09-10 season continues and the Bulls enjoy playing with the emotions of all their fans, we must first pause and acknowledge the absence of our fallen hero, the White Panther. Godspeed Aaron Gray, the reaction shots of the bench will now have a giant, 400 lb void :(

Alas, there is a game tonight. I know, you are crying uncontrollably. But WE MUST FIGHT ON.

The Spurs spent their offseason making several moves that they hoped would bring them back into contention for a title. Another draft, another steal for RC Buford (DeJuan Blair). Another offseason acquiring veterans who could bring some balance to the roster (McDyess, Jefferson, Ratliff). However, they find themselves muddled in the West (there are only 3 games separating the 4th seed Portland with 9th place New Orleans). What happened?

Well, 2 of their Big Three just haven't been as incredible as in past years. Manu Ginobili is 32 and showing signs of decline. Still an efficient scorer and all-around nusiance to opposing teams, but just not as explosive as he once was. Tony Parker showed last year he could carry the Spurs when others were dropping like flies, but this season he just hasn't been scoring as efficiently, and you could make a case that Derrick is having a better season so far. Unfortunately, Tim Duncan is still a beast. He may not anchor the same elite defense (11th in the NBA), but he's posting a 27.4 PER at the age of 33. If any of you think Tim Duncan is boring, I hate you and wish leprosy on you.

No word yet on whether Joakim will play, and obviously given the matchups this could be a game where his absence can't be made up. Taj and Tyrus will have to play excellent post defense on Blair and limit his rebounding chances. I give Brad no chance to stop Duncan, so hopefully he can hit enough jumpshots to keep the defense honest. With Manu on the bench, Kirk should be able to help Rose defending Parker, and there really is no reason why Richard Jefferson should outplay Deng.

The outcome is pretty simple. If Noah plays, there's a good chance the Bulls could alter the magnetic poles and win 3 straight on the road. If he sits, then we could be in for a very frustrating game. Prediction, Bulls 130 Spurs 49.

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Comments

Brad Miller, no longer feeling competition from Aaron Gray, scores 57 points tonight

"Oh, y ahora ¿quién podrá defenderme?" "¡Yo!"

by chapuforyou on Jan 25, 2010 4:05 PM CST reply actions

Competition?

I don’t think Aaron qualfied.

by windycitywarrior on Jan 25, 2010 4:30 PM CST up reply actions

You're clearly a master of detecting sarcasm.

by BigBabyCollin on Jan 25, 2010 4:40 PM CST up reply actions

wait, is that sarcastic too?

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 Jan 25, 2010 4:50 PM CST up reply actions

was that?

I'm cuckoo for Kukoc!!!

I think I hate Reinsdorf more than I hate Krause

by Yibs on Jan 25, 2010 4:52 PM CST up reply actions

is all this sarcasm supposed to be funny?

"Oh, y ahora ¿quién podrá defenderme?" "¡Yo!"

by chapuforyou on Jan 25, 2010 4:57 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

No

its meant to be sarcastic.

by Cannoli on Jan 25, 2010 5:19 PM CST up reply actions

You're a pretty good sarcasm detector yourself.

by Stacey_Is_King on Jan 25, 2010 5:12 PM CST up reply actions

I'm sorry for starting this......

by BigBabyCollin on Jan 25, 2010 5:45 PM CST up reply actions

this has been one of the best previews i've read in a long time

I'm cuckoo for Kukoc!!!

I think I hate Reinsdorf more than I hate Krause

by Yibs on Jan 25, 2010 4:19 PM CST reply actions

Agree

All you want to know about the Spurs…

General manager needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow,next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn't happen.
Sir Paxdorf.

by Azabullsfan on Jan 25, 2010 4:39 PM CST up reply actions

The Bulls will fight hard this game

There should be a name for those games where you only have 6 or 7 players, and everyone ends up stepping their game up. They’ll still lose, but it’ll be a lot closer than it looks now.

Tyrus Thomas will get big minutes, and should have a great statistical game. Vinny will give Brad way too many minutes which will kill rebounding and interior defense while he’s playing. Hinrich will have a great game if Rose sits. He’ll be much more aggressive than usual, which usually works out well for him.

Duncan will have a ton of rebounds, but will have under 20 points.

by runningman on Jan 25, 2010 5:10 PM CST reply actions