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Open Game Thread #47: Bulls at Seattle Sonics

Tiny by Big D on

[Thanks to BigD for today's game preview. -Matt]

The Bulls will try (well, maybe they'll try - depends on what mood the Corpse is in) to win their first game on the current 6-game road trip when they face the Sonics tonight (9:00 Central, Comcast Sportsnet).

This is a relatively big game for the Bulls simply because of their upcoming schedule.  They've lost the first two games on the trip to bad/mediocre teams, and after this game they face the Warriors, Blazers, and Jazz, so this could be the Bulls' last chance to win a game on the trip.  Of course, considering how bad the Eastern Conference is, the Bulls could probably lose their next 10 games and still be in the playoff "race."  The NBA Eastern Conference - Where Amazing Happens.

To make matters worse, the Bulls are catching the Sonics at a bad time.  The Sonics have won their last three games (after losing 14 in a row) against the Spurs, the Cavs (without Lebron), and the Knicks.

I'm looking forward to seeing how Thabo does guarding Kevin Durant tonight.  Durant is 6-9, so you'd think Thabo would see a lot of time on him.  Durant can shoot over Hinrich and Duhon anytime he wants.  Granted, he's only shooting 40%, so maybe you want to encourage him to take jumpers, but it would be nice if somebody could at least get a hand in his face.

Blogging With the Enemy:
SupersonicSoul
SonicsCentral

Hopefully, this isn't the last time the Bulls play in Seattle.

FanPosts are user-created posts from the BlogABull community, and are to be treated as the opinions and views of that particular user, not that of the blogger or blog community as a whole.

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Since I
get up so early in the morning I will have to watch this one tomorrow. I hate these late starts. They should win but who knows.
Never went to church camp but I did go to Girl Scout camp. If you ever need help making a campfire I'm your girl. :P

by sue369 on Feb 4, 2008 6:13 PM CST   0 recs

Especially when you have to get up
early the next day, too.

Truehoop quoted a blog a while ago where the blogger wondered if Kevin Durant was really the next Big Dog.  Poor Seattle if that turns out to be true.

by KT on Feb 4, 2008 6:23 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Poor Seattle if that turns out to be true.
Are you referring to Seattle losing the Sonics?
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 9:19 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Try living in Portugal
where the game today starts at 3.00am. Good thing I'm in college

by Alcoolivoro on Feb 4, 2008 8:29 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

every...
time i see chris wilcox, i think that the bulls could have at least tried to steal him when he was a restricted free agent... he probably could have been had for about 1/2 of the big ben's salary.  imagine, and 6-10 guy who can score and rebound.

by leeac on Feb 4, 2008 6:23 PM CST   0 recs

too bad Sene is in the D-League
it'd be a BaB commenter game of the year.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 4, 2008 6:25 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

well...
considering the sonics are just as good as the bulls at developing their young big men, the sonics figured out that they can just go out and trade for decent one.  a lesson that the bulls can learn from.  the sonics gave up vlad radmanovic.  that's right, vlad radmanovic.

by leeac on Feb 4, 2008 6:40 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

matt
right about now, would you trade, say, an andres nocioni for wilcox?...

by leeac on Feb 4, 2008 6:45 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Bobby Knight resigns.
Maybe he could be the next Bulls coach. (That's a joke.)

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/

Never went to church camp but I did go to Girl Scout camp. If you ever need help making a campfire I'm your girl. :P

by sue369 on Feb 4, 2008 6:34 PM CST   0 recs

huh
Knight coaching a pro team. That would be a trip.

by KT on Feb 4, 2008 6:41 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Imagine if he
slapped one of the Bulls in the face. He'd be picking himself up off the floor.
Never went to church camp but I did go to Girl Scout camp. If you ever need help making a campfire I'm your girl. :P

by sue369 on Feb 4, 2008 6:44 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Sports Nite
just said that Smith may be back in the lineup tonight. That means Joakim goes back to the bench. :-( They also said that Tyrus is a maybe for the game.
Never went to church camp but I did go to Girl Scout camp. If you ever need help making a campfire I'm your girl. :P

by sue369 on Feb 4, 2008 6:43 PM CST   0 recs

What the hell is wrong with Tyrus?
And Smith was back for the last game, wasn't he? Yet Noah still started.

Taking Noah out of the starting lineup and replacing him with Smith would be a sign that Boylan was regressing.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 4, 2008 8:12 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I thought TT
had either a knee or ankle injury but not sure which.

Yes, Smith was back but he didn't start. They said tonight that he may start. I hope that's not true.

Never went to church camp but I did go to Girl Scout camp. If you ever need help making a campfire I'm your girl. :P

by sue369 on Feb 4, 2008 8:23 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

TT
Sprained upper ankle, last I heard.

And I think it is up in the air whether Smith or Noah will start.  Maybe they both will and Noc will get the bump to the bench.  :)  I am hoping Noah gets to start though.  He hasn't done anything to lose his spot.  

by cranscape on Feb 4, 2008 8:27 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Listening to the coach 's pregame comments...
Smith starts.   Noah off the bench.

Said some nonsense about rotations, etc.  

by mruntouchable on Feb 4, 2008 8:47 PM CST   0 recs

Regressing to the vet rotation.
Dumb.
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 4, 2008 9:06 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Smith is playing well.
He is having a great year.

But what difference does it make?

He'll likely be somewhere else next season.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 4, 2008 9:18 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Or
blow his knee out if they play him too much.  

I don't mind Smith playing because he is having a good year, but he isn't the guy they should be riding this point in the season.  He'd be extremely effective for us if he knew he'd have limited minutes wasn't going to have to save himself for  extended play.  And since we have Noah there is no reason Smith should be playing extended minutes.

by cranscape on Feb 4, 2008 9:26 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

You can't regress
when you've already hit the bottom of the stupid tank.
And Boylan took just one lousy month to officially establish himself as a losing coach at 9-11 coming into tonight.

Being in Seattle, I get to watch the Sonics feed, which is cool because I get to listen to Calabro who is one of THE best comms in the NBA.

But what was funny was the clips of the Bulls they were using for pregame were from back when Skiles was still coach.

Omen?

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 9:18 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

doesn't
look dumb so far...hopefully Smith keeps it up

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 4, 2008 9:18 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

As I said above, Smith
is having a great year, but that means very little to the Bulls in the long-run.

Noah's development is key.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 4, 2008 9:20 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

eh...
maybe it's just me...but I don't mind Smith starting for tonight or any other game...I don't care if Noah starts or not...just as long as he gets meaningful minutes

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 4, 2008 9:27 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

The Best thing
The best thing the Bulls could do with Joe Smith right now is trade him while he's in the midst of a fine season and try to pick up a useful young piece or draft pick.
talkbulls.com

by balta1701 on Feb 5, 2008 12:30 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

hopefully Smith keeps it up
Aye...
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 9:22 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

My ideal lineup
would be Noah and Smith.  

by Freethefro on Feb 4, 2008 9:41 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

At least
Smith seems to be playing well.  If they are smart they will limit his minutes to make him the most effective, work Noah in, and then let Noah finish the game.  Yes, this is me at my most optimistic.

by cranscape on Feb 4, 2008 9:19 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I hate Boylan and Pax
starting Smith on this team in this situation is pretty close to criminal.

by Sports2 on Feb 4, 2008 10:44 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

BW dunks
seem to encourage him to try to do something in the post.  Everything is a catch-22 with that guy.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 4, 2008 9:19 PM CST   0 recs

Watch for Durant to expose Noc tonight
 
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 9:25 PM CST   0 recs

you say
that like he hasn't been exposed on defense before...

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 4, 2008 9:29 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Who....NOC??
Naw....never...    ;-)
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 9:32 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

really, ya think
also, watch for joe smith to shoot jumpers.  TBYT
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 4, 2008 9:32 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

TBYT
C/B

Do you even know what it means?

DO YA??

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 9:33 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I do I do!!!!
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 4, 2008 9:34 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

maybe you should do it then
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 9:35 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

more irony
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 4, 2008 9:38 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

more irony
What - your ignorance?

Look - YOU'RE the one who always starts the shit with your spew.

It would be one thing if you made any sense...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 9:48 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

lol
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 4, 2008 10:17 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Smith is my No. 1 enemy.
Why couldn't he suck like the other two veterans? Not that it would matter....
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 4, 2008 9:29 PM CST   0 recs

when did TT hurt his ankle?
could something else be going on?  hmmm
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 4, 2008 9:33 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Maybe when you weren't watching
Did he forget to email to tell you that he fell at the party that they didn't invite you to?
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 9:43 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Seattle is the second worst team I have seen
all season.

Behind Miami.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 4, 2008 9:30 PM CST   0 recs

Potentially.
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 4, 2008 9:32 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I saw
some of the Mavs/Pistons game.  That was pretty nasty.

by cranscape on Feb 4, 2008 9:34 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Block out Noc!
Basics.  Gah!

by cranscape on Feb 4, 2008 9:33 PM CST   0 recs

Durant really hasn't impressed me.
When I saw him live at the UC, I wasn't blown away by his athleticism.
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 4, 2008 9:36 PM CST   0 recs

He shoots too many jumpshots
Needs to work on his post game. I can see him being extremely difficult with a quick turnaround in the block.

by RogersPark Kris on Feb 4, 2008 11:18 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

No one finishes in the lane like BG.
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 4, 2008 9:37 PM CST   0 recs

Looks like
having a big man coach is improving his footwork.  snerk

by cranscape on Feb 4, 2008 9:39 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

HAHA!
Gray goes out to the arch and man-bumps Ridnour...

Ouch Luke.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 9:38 PM CST   0 recs

Gray
Is that some peach fuzz I see or a smudge of dirt?

by cranscape on Feb 4, 2008 9:38 PM CST   0 recs

The whiskers of the Vanilla Panther
Minute vibrations in the whiskers alert him to Red's loud compliments.
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 4, 2008 9:41 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

nice
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 4, 2008 9:42 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

OK, I do like trying to get the kids more PT
But I'm really not into these choppy lineups.  Does Boylan really think it's necessary to go 10 deep in the 1st quarter?
Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 4, 2008 9:40 PM CST   0 recs

your defense
has to really stink if you get pump-faked by Where's Wally

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 4, 2008 9:43 PM CST   0 recs

Set your clocks to it
the Bulls lead disappears early in the 2nd Q
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 9:45 PM CST   0 recs

You can set your clock
to that too.    LOL
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 9:49 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

what happens if Noc is out
(other than Matt throwing a party) does Du start and Thabo go to the three?
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 4, 2008 9:48 PM CST   0 recs

Can Smith play the 3?
Noah
Ben
Smith
Thabo
Hinrich
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 4, 2008 9:51 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I'd rather see him at the three
than Noc or Viktor.  

I am really missing Deng about now.  

by cranscape on Feb 4, 2008 9:55 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Nice acting by BG
Horrible call though.
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 9:52 PM CST   0 recs

Wallace
is looking a little livelier than usual.  Actually working to get some rebounds.

by cranscape on Feb 4, 2008 9:52 PM CST   0 recs

Of course
he is getting a lot of rebounds because we can't seem to make a shot.

by cranscape on Feb 4, 2008 9:52 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

looking a little livelier
It's the northwest air...    :-)
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 9:54 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Thabo is not, err, shooting well.
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 4, 2008 9:52 PM CST   0 recs

He has
tried more threes than I've ever see him attempt in a game.  Two or three when he might try one.  He should stick to his midrange jumper.

by cranscape on Feb 4, 2008 9:53 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Thabo needs to post
not shoot 3's with that mismatch, preferably on BG's side of the court.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Feb 4, 2008 9:53 PM CST   0 recs

Sounds like I'm missing the one game
this season when BW actually jumps?
Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 4, 2008 10:05 PM CST   0 recs

Yeah, it's Nick Collison bobblehead night too!
One luck fan got the GOLD one and got to meet him before the game...

Ohhh BOY!!

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 10:08 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Actually, a little more so
Koik is about as entertaining as a rock.
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 10:25 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Actually Nick is
a great guy. Two summers ago Nick and Robbie were going to a movie in Seattle and a group of kids saw him and crowded around him to get pictures and autographs. More kids kept showing up.

An off duty police officer and his son were going to a later movie and saw Nick with all these kids. His son aksed if he could go get an autograph and the officer said he could go ask but if Nick said no he should accept that. Nick signed for him and the police officer asked Nick what movie they were going to see and Nick told him then added, "but that was two hours ago".

Never went to church camp but I did go to Girl Scout camp. If you ever need help making a campfire I'm your girl. :P

by sue369 on Feb 5, 2008 10:08 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

I'm a KU girl,
so I actually would have kind of enjoyed that.

Bulls radio broadcast is sure picking on Seattle - I'm getting a little pissed on their behalf, as a fellow Pacific Northwesterner.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 4, 2008 10:10 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

He is actually
playing pretty good.  Or perhaps he's been so bad this season that a little effort really stands out.  He is getting more than the rebounds that bounce right towards his head, aka actually fighting for contested ones.  Perhaps it is the altitude.

by cranscape on Feb 4, 2008 10:10 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

If BW playing well drives his value up
I'm all for it.  

by Freethefro on Feb 4, 2008 10:11 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

playing well drives his value up
Unfortunately, then you woke up.
One can dream though...    :-)
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 4, 2008 10:15 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

You mean he's worth $2 now?
Maybe I'll take up hockey.