Bulls vs. Memphis Grizzlies: 2011-12 Game Preview #5
by CowBearsFan on Jan 1, 2012 1:38 PM CST
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Print[Thanks to CowBearsFan for today's game preview. I'll be at the UC tonight, so follow during the game for hot hot tweets. -ed.]
The Bulls have their home opener tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies, the surprise team out of last year's Western Conference playoffs. We're taking a two game win streak back home to the UC. The Grizzlies (1-2) are looking to find a bit of rhythm after losing their first two games and finally got their first win of the season against Houston Friday night after Z-Bo dropped 23 and 9 on Houston. This is a match-up I myself have a particular interest in as it may be a game I'll be watching live in a little over two weeks.
The big question of the season on the Memphis Grizzlies was how Rudy Gay would fit back in after the Grizzlies changed the identity and focused on getting the ball inside after his season-ending shoulder surgery last year. He's acclimated himself very well this season, averaging 16.7 points over 3 games and has recorded double digit rebounds every game so far. If there's a strength on this Memphis team, it's rebounding, as Gay, Marc Gasol, and Z-Bo are all averaging over 8 rebounds a game. However, they're missing a few key guys as Darrell Arthur (out for the season with a torn Achilles), Mike Conley (out for tonight with a sprained ankle; on that note, their starter is likely to be Jeremy Pargo as they recently traded Greivis Vasquez to New Orleans for Quincy Pondexter) and Xavier Henry (out for a month or so) are not playing tonight.
My keys for the game:
1) Our bigs need to slow down Z-Bo and Gasol if we want to have any chance at this. Jo kind of got bullied by Demarcus Cousins in our last game against Sacramento. Z-Bo and the not Gasoft brother are bangers and no matter what assignment he draws tonight, he's got to be effective defensively. Jo doesn't have to do it alone though, as we've got guys on the bench (specifically, Asik) who match up well against their bigs. Neutralizing their inside attack will be pivotal as the Grizz are shooting 17.9% from deep this year, so keeping them from pounding us inside will be huge.
2) The MVP has to dominate Jeremy Pargo. When you come up with matchups that favor us this strongly, we have to take advantage. Derrick needs to realize he has a Pargo across from him, and then destroy his pride in front of his brother. Jeremy's filled in admirably for Mike Conley, averaging 11 points and 5.3 assists a game.
3) Take care of the basketball. I know, cliche, but the Bulls are averaging 16 turnovers a game while the Grizzlies are forcing 19 a game. Last year, the Grizzlies led the league in forced turnovers and were second on points off turnovers, so this team is good at turning defense into offense.
As I said earlier, I want to go see this matchup on MLK day, so I hope the game is an interesting implication of what I'll see live in 15 days, but with the weakest matchup on the floor going in our favor (a Pargo vs the MVP), I believe we have a great shot in taking this game going away.
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Grizzlies have a pretty frightening team.
I thought they were underachieving pretty heavily for most of last season. They kind’ve coalesced towards the end and started playing good basketball. I could see either them or OKC coming out of the west this season, assuming the Griz learn to play together better (although ZBo and Gasol have that down pretty well already).
Their frontcourt is very frightening. I think that the guards are going to have to come in for double teams on ZBo. We may need to get creative with our rotations if we are going to neutralize this advantage. Probably do what OKC did and keep throwing fresh bodies at ZBo. Maybe even have Noah and Asik on the floor at the same time which I think that I have seen once.
Offensively, if we can flow like we did against Indiana, Sac and the Clips, we can take them down. I agree that we should exploit the Pargo mismatch.
Schindler's List is, at the most basic level, a remake of Jurassic Park... ~Zizek
I expect to see a lot of Asik and Taj tonight
This is precisely the type of team where out big man depth is highlighted. Jo, Boozer, Asik and Taj against Gasol and Zbo. As good as those dudes are, four on two is still four on two.
I believe Lu will be fine guarding Rudy Gay, and like cowbearsfan mentioned, Rose needs to exploit Pargo, who is super quick himself by the way.
Similar to the Clipper game, I think we’ll see a tight game until the fourth, when we start to pull away. It’s all about the depth baby…
I'm getting too old for this shit...
Unfortunately, only two can play at a time,
and one of those is likely to be Boozer. He will need help.
Great job with the preview
But, you make it sound like these keys are do or die.
The truth is, we have a better team altogether. So, even if Derrick doesn’t go off and our bigs don’t slow down their bigs, we still have a good chance to win.
I think, as the season progresses, we’ll see Derrick start to get more and more assists. If he gets our shooters going, we’ll be in the game the whole time. And, the truth is, we just need Noah and Boozer to have mediocre games at this point to take care of most teams.
I think the Grizzlies have a chance to squeeze out a victory, but, Derrick Rose is 3-0 in his home openers, and I don’t think that will change tonight since the crowd is going to be so electric.
I think a comfortable victory is likely. And, the crowd will go home with Big Macs.
I'm hoping we'll be singing, "We are the Champions" in June, 2012.
I'd be shocked if Pargo guarded Rose for more than 5 minutes.
Tony Allen is quick and physical enough to frustrate Derrick, he just needs to stay aggressive and draw fouls on a tough but slow frontcourt.
so that means Pargo on Rip?
Really?
I'm getting too old for this shit...
by Judge Mental on Jan 1, 2012 2:42 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm just going on what they did last year.
by Ozzie Montana on Jan 1, 2012 2:44 PM CST up reply actions
yeah, but last year it was Bogans
Pargo is too small to guard Hamilton, imo.
I'm getting too old for this shit...
happy news guys/gals
And go bulls
by Belize on Jan 1, 2012 3:07 PM CST via mobile reply actions 2 recs
I'm just looking forward to the next edition of the Tony Allen show
His antics last year was the stuff of legend
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
Was just rewatching a bit of the Bulls-Clips game
and it’s pretty remarkable, the insane amount of grabbing/reaching/pushing off that Paul gets away with. He’s just this chubby little fucker, and the refs let him do whatever the hell he wants
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 1, 2012 5:01 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
lol, that guy is too funny
He so belongs on the Wizards
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 1, 2012 5:31 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Prada is already making up hypothetical trade proposals
Here’s my offer to Sacramento: Blatche, Jordan Crawford and next year’s No. 1 (top 10 protected) for Cousins and Francisco Garcia.
Even more perfect
Throw Jordan Crawford on the Kings, that way they completely corner the market on ball-stopping, chucker two guards
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 1, 2012 5:46 PM CST up reply actions
I thought it was ridiculous how far he fell
Now it looks he should have fell further.
Now seeing that his agent is denying he demanded that trade
Cousins is like the Carlos Zambrano of basketball. His emotions and behavior will similarly sink his promising career.
He could be a perennial all star
The Kings would never take on Boozers contract tho’
"The advanced metrics guys do not like Derrick Rose very much." - Bills Simmons podcast 2/4
by RogersPark Kris on Jan 1, 2012 5:48 PM CST up reply actions
And to be fair
Both ZBo and Rasheed weren’t able to fully realize their talents until traded to a fresh new team.
"The advanced metrics guys do not like Derrick Rose very much." - Bills Simmons podcast 2/4
by RogersPark Kris on Jan 1, 2012 5:49 PM CST up reply actions
Breaking:
ESPNChiBulls Nick Friedell
The Deng Mohawk is gone!
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
NICE.
Your offense is only as good as your bullpen.
by defensive indifference on Jan 1, 2012 5:38 PM CST up reply actions
WHAT?!?!?!
"There are two ways to argue with a woman, and neither of them work."
- Carlos Boozer after cancelling an interview with a Sports Illustrated reporter because his wife was expecting him home.
Truly sad news
I loved that thing, and will now spend the night thinking of the best way to incorporate it into a new sig
Now we'll have something to blame if his productivity goes down.
And Thibs said, Let there be three's, and Deng shot threes
And Deng saw the three's, that they were good
And didn't shoot long two's anymore
by windycitywarrior on Jan 1, 2012 6:08 PM CST up reply actions
kiss that allstar bid goodbye
Just wee-un.
by jesus christos on Jan 1, 2012 6:30 PM CST up reply actions
I know this is small sample size, but it confirms a suspicion I've had for some time
This year, Rose is 8 for 20 on 3 pointers. Obviously a good percentage. Of those, he is 1 for 2 in isolation, 4 for 5 as the pick and roll ball handler, 2 for 8 as a spot up, and 1 for 4 in transition. From what I’ve seen, Rose seems to be better at shooting off of the dribble than as a spot up shooter. My guess is that is because he is so used to creating his own jumper that he gets in a better rhythm. It seemed like this was often the case last year as well (although I can’t get at the synergy stats from last year). More of an observation than anything else, I just thought it was curious.
"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight
by DRose01 on Jan 1, 2012 5:47 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
we should trade Mirotic and the charlotte 1st
For Cousins, he’s an idiot but, rose-rip-deng-noah-cousins
Is an evil lineup. Thibs could make him an all star.
by MartyMondays on Jan 1, 2012 5:49 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Might have to add Asik
Which sucks, but I have serious doubts that the Bulls will match whatever team decides to throw gobs of money at Asik next season.
"The advanced metrics guys do not like Derrick Rose very much." - Bills Simmons podcast 2/4
by RogersPark Kris on Jan 1, 2012 5:50 PM CST up reply actions
keep in asik can only get an early bird (i think thats the name ) extension at maximum
he wont get more than 10 mill for two yrs
Asik can only receive a max of about 5 million
for the first two years of his new contract.
that would be fine with me
What’s Cousins like 22 I think ? He has tons of potential and hes at least as good as Booze now. Noah would get worn out less at pf and no one would score in the paint on us.
by MartyMondays on Jan 1, 2012 6:07 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Mirotic, Asik and Charlotte 1st. for DeMarcus Cousins?
Not in a million years would I do this. It is folly.
Really?
Cousins can play the 4 or 5, has terrific post moves and is just 22.
The kid has all the potential in the world.
"The advanced metrics guys do not like Derrick Rose very much." - Bills Simmons podcast 2/4
by RogersPark Kris on Jan 1, 2012 6:13 PM CST up reply actions
If he's not coachable, this could be catastrophic
"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight
reminds me of tyrus thomas
tons of talent, but not really coachable.
Thomas is coachable
lies!
Rose decides not to go 1-on-2 and I was thinking, "what are you doing?! You've got the numbers!" -Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live
Dunno if I want him on our team to be honest.
"There are two ways to argue with a woman, and neither of them work."
- Carlos Boozer after cancelling an interview with a Sports Illustrated reporter because his wife was expecting him home.
Yeah, that seems like the type of move Garpax would make...
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 1, 2012 6:07 PM CST up reply actions
Right?
Don’t want this kid anywhere near our team.
everyones dying for Howard
A guy who doesn’t even want to be here. But taking a risk on a 22 year old with ridiculous upside who’s immature is crazy talk.
He’s an idiot because that team has no structure, someone on a comment brought up how shred, and zbo didn’t realize their potential until they got to a good situation.
You put Cousins on this team and give him 1-3 years and well steamroll through the NBA. Wade will be like 33 lebron like 30 and rose and cousins will be around 26.
by MartyMondays on Jan 1, 2012 6:23 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
wade already regularly blows dunks
His lift and quickness is dying even faster than Kobe’s. Wade took a LOT of damage on his championship run in 06.
by MartyMondays on Jan 1, 2012 6:27 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
also last yr too
i remember he got injrued (game 5?) and after that he wasnt the same after that
yep
Just watch a heat game and any time he makes an athletic play, weather its diving for a loose ball, or falling after a hard drive, and he’s limping.
by MartyMondays on Jan 1, 2012 6:32 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
yep
Just watch a heat game and any time he makes an athletic play, weather its diving for a loose ball, or falling after a hard drive, and he’s limping.
by MartyMondays on Jan 1, 2012 6:32 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Understand your reasoning, but I really don't like the behavior I've seen from him
Or the things I’ve read.
So, no, I’d pass.
nevermind he just turnes 21 a couple months ago
Whoop
by MartyMondays on Jan 1, 2012 6:30 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Forget whether it would be an interesting move or not
the fact remains that the Bulls wouldn’t trade for this guy in a million years. It’s just not a risk that they would take at this stage in their team’s development. And you can hardly fault them.
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 1, 2012 6:33 PM CST up reply actions
i know
But doesn’t it seem like all the explosive athletic guys have attitudes? Except rose of course… I just wish the bulls front office would show some confidence and say "fuck it, this guy is a bit of a nutcase, but he’s talented as hell. We have the coach of the year and the mvp to keep him in check. If not? We trade his ass cause he’ll always have value "
Maybe that’s just me but I wish the bulls would be able to do something like this instead of constantly signing and waving pargo and john lucas the 3rd.
by MartyMondays on Jan 1, 2012 6:39 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
It's ridiculous to compare the pargo/lucas stuff to Cousins
If Cousins was a free agent and was willing to sit on the bench as the fifth big, then bring him on.
What you’re actually talking about is a guy that demands to be the star whether he deserves it or not, and will do his best to sabotage the team if you indulge him. And you will have to give up valuable players to get him.
Don’t pretend that his attitude has anything to do with Sacramento. The only reason he was drafted by Sacramento was because his well-documented attitude issues caused him to drop in the draft.
you are being ridiculous
He’s not Kareem but 5th big? Are you kidding? Lol he’s already better than Taj, Asik, or Booze.
by MartyMondays on Jan 1, 2012 7:07 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
THIS
"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais
by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 1, 2012 6:35 PM CST up reply actions 5 recs
I would too
Rose decides not to go 1-on-2 and I was thinking, "what are you doing?! You've got the numbers!" -Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live
Saw Rose at Whole Foods a few hours ago
…buying vitamins. He should be ready to go tonight.
by Stay Chisel on Jan 1, 2012 5:55 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Did you start shouting "MVP" while he checked out?
"There are two ways to argue with a woman, and neither of them work."
- Carlos Boozer after cancelling an interview with a Sports Illustrated reporter because his wife was expecting him home.
He doesn't have a guy to do his shopping for him?
Weird. It’s not just because he’s got better things to do than stand in a check out line, I’d imagine it’s hard for him to do everyday stuff like that without being mobbed by fans.
I thought stuff like that is why you live with your longtime buddies
let them do the shopping so you can avoid drooling bloggers like us.
"Sportsmanship is just loser talk for losing."
maybe those gummies man
Rose decides not to go 1-on-2 and I was thinking, "what are you doing?! You've got the numbers!" -Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live
HEY D-ROSE
CENTRUM SILVER PILLS ARE TOO BIG, TOO STRONG, TOO FAST, TOO GOOD
"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais
by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 1, 2012 6:27 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
NBA League Pass Broadband...
is it blacked out in Chi?
yeah i have the same question
The Clippers game blacked out on me
by MartyMondays on Jan 1, 2012 6:04 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Yup
But I think you can hide your IP address so you can watch
"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight
go to a free proxy site like
youhide.com…access nba league pass through that site and you should be able to watch the bulls
"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight
I've never tried it
But hopefully it will work out for you.
"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight
If you signed up using a card with a Chicago address
it’s not going to matter where you’re currently logged in.
May not be a big deal, but I hate reading these things:
Schumouse David Schuster
Derrick Rose playing with tendinitis in both knees and a knot the size of a golf ball on one of them…makes no difference
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
Sucks in a shortened season where he can't just take a game or 2 off.
"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight
This team needs some blowouts this year
That’s one thing that kinda bugged me last year. They won a lot, but there was too many close games against also-rans. Whoop some ass, and rest your starters
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
by Juiceboxjerry on Jan 1, 2012 6:35 PM CST up reply actions
Yep. But to get blow-outs Rose can't defer early.
He’s gotta go beast-mode from the getgo.
every player is playing thru an injury
conley got injured, wade is playing thru a foot injury, nash is playing thru bruised ribs etc.
Z-Bo.
He’s the guy who shot someone at a strip club when he was away from his team (Blazers) on bereavement leave. Let’s hope he brought Gasol, Gay and some other key guys out to the clubs last night!
"It’d be ridiculous to hate someone for simply what they say in a sports blog. But I greatly dislike every syllable of your angst-filled, smarmy, nondescript, half-assed, elitist-garbage responses." –Rogerspark Kris
its perfect!
"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais
by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 1, 2012 6:31 PM CST reply actions
Since League Pass Broadband is shit if you are actually in the city of the team you want to watch...
what’s the link?
Interesting that there's no mention of OJ Mayo
Last couple of years the game preview would have featured him along with their front line.
For a career 15.7 ppg guy, he’s really taking a back seat, perhaps in part to accommodate Gay.
But I gotta wonder, is part of the reason he’s not getting a lot of burn the fact that he’s about to be traded?
"It’d be ridiculous to hate someone for simply what they say in a sports blog. But I greatly dislike every syllable of your angst-filled, smarmy, nondescript, half-assed, elitist-garbage responses." –Rogerspark Kris
he’s really taking a back seat, perhaps in part to accommodate Gay.
tee hee
"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais
by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 1, 2012 6:43 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I think it's more that he sucks
The kid's out of this world. He's got Allen Iverson speed, Jason Kidd's vision, Chauncey Billups' shooting ability and Michael Jordan's athleticism. How do you guard that? - Pacers coach Frank Vogel.
by majoyenrac on Jan 1, 2012 9:54 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
UGH
chicagobulls Chicago Bulls
Per Gar Forman, no Rip Hamiltin tonight. Groin injury. Brewer will start in his place. I’ll tweet.
Sadly, my self worth is almost entirely based upon the outcome of the previous night's Bulls game.
I like Brewer as a starter
I just hope this doesn’t bring in a cold Korver or make Deng play 48 minutes.
A true friend stabs you in the front - Oscar Wilde
hopefully.
A true friend stabs you in the front - Oscar Wilde
by dantheman3k on Jan 1, 2012 6:49 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Don't mind Brever at all.
In fact I wished he’d get more minutes. But not like this.
And I wished we’d kept Bogans ‘cause of depth. He’s familiar with the system and shot decently from 3 last season.
Now we gotta hope we see Butler for some quality minutes.
We still have Scalabrine!
Suit up White Mamba, it’s time to paint the town ginger red!
And Thibs said, Let there be three's, and Deng shot threes
And Deng saw the three's, that they were good
And didn't shoot long two's anymore
by windycitywarrior on Jan 1, 2012 6:49 PM CST up reply actions
I hope Deng will get some rest
I dont want him leading the league in minutes the whole season. Brew is capable and
korver is capable on certain matchups. I dont see why Thibs cant find a few extra minutes of rest for LuHawk
yeah jimmy needs to play
I honestly think he could help this year. Derrick should take this game as training to isolate and elite defender (tony allen) cause he’s gonna have to score on lebron in the playoffs.
by MartyMondays on Jan 1, 2012 6:57 PM CST via mobile reply actions
..... Bulls. No question!
And a happy new year everyone!
Jets, Cowboys, Mets, Islanders, Bulls & Clippers
NO MORE SIRIUS?
"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais
by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 1, 2012 7:08 PM CST reply actions
OH FUCK YEAH
"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais
by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 1, 2012 7:09 PM CST up reply actions
Kudos to gar
I think our bench
Watson
Brewer
Korver
Gibson
Asik
Would still have a better record than say the talented but messy Wizards (seriously why us Flip Saunders still employed I know McGee and blatche are especially immature but that team is chock full of talent—I was watching them against the c’s tonight ) I think Daunders is the worst coach going followed by westphal (sacto)…
Oh well I really love the city of Memhis and hope zbo ain’t hurt for long and I hope cj (who I think is making a case for the best backup Pg in the league with maybe mo Williams and if he’s still on bench Rubio the Only competitors).
I hate scslabrine… Dudes made millions make him a coach if u want him…
I’m a wee bit drunk…. But good to see Boozer good until yomorrow
The kid's out of this world. He's got Allen Iverson speed, Jason Kidd's vision, Chauncey Billups' shooting ability and Michael Jordan's athleticism. How do you guard that? - Pacers coach Frank Vogel.
by majoyenrac on Jan 1, 2012 9:51 PM CST via mobile reply actions
iPhone sux
The kid's out of this world. He's got Allen Iverson speed, Jason Kidd's vision, Chauncey Billups' shooting ability and Michael Jordan's athleticism. How do you guard that? - Pacers coach Frank Vogel.
by majoyenrac on Jan 1, 2012 9:51 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
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