Bulls in bad shape for contest against Cavaliers

by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Mar 19, 2010 11:00 AM CDT

The Chicago Bulls had been playing great basketball. Just a few weeks ago they were 6th in the East and closing fast. Then the unthinkable happened - injuries decimated arguable their three best players. The result - a 9 game losing streak which has propelled them all the way out of the playoff picture.

It doesn't get any easier tonight. Derrick Rose (wrist), Luol Deng (calf) and Joakim Noah (foot) will all miss the game against the Cavaliers at the United Center. For the Bulls, it means a starting lineup that consists of Jannero Pargo and James Johnson at the 2 and 3 spots. Not a winning combination.

That doesn't mean it will be easy for the Cavaliers, who have grown into the habit of of taking large portions of the first 3 quarters off against lackluster opponents before flipping a switch. In two games against Dallas during the losing streak, the Bulls scored 116 and 106 points, forcing the Mavericks to have to play hard to win. Of course, there are also beatdowns at the hands of the Magic(111-82) and Atlanta(116-92) mixed in as well.

The Cavaliers should win tonight - unless they play with the lack of intensity we have seen at times the past couple of weeks. This is a difficult time for the Cavaliers. The return of Zydrunas Ilgauskas is just a few days away(we hope) and the playoffs lie just 4 weeks away. With the best record in the East, and in the NBA still at stake, the Cavaliers have plenty to play for.

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It's games like this I wish Lebron would sit out.

Maybe not tonite with him 3 points from 15k, but let him get a couple of buckets and sit him. Sounds crazy I know, but my logic is that LeBron has evolved from The King to The Savior. I mean, even if you take Lebron and Shaq out, we have a solid starting lineup. The wins w/o LBJ were the best of the season to me (besides the LAkers) b/c the rest of the Cavs stepped up there game and found an identity. I just don’t want these playoffs turn into he “stand around and watch Lebron” show. With the Bulls top three out, I see no reason we couldn’t give LBJ a rest and give the bench some solid playing time and confidence.

by navycavsfan on Mar 19, 2010 1:44 PM CDT reply actions

I APPROVE THIS MESSAGE!

by eye_was_born_ready on Mar 19, 2010 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions

not so fast... sailor

LeBron rested the week before last and is not in need of rest. The Cavs are still trying to "break in " Jamison and Powe and Mo has not been sharp. Plus we are already down the big Aircraft Carrier and Z. They need to stay sharp and LeBron provides that edge, if you will. LeBron won’t have to ISO and provide all the offense if others can learn to play off him. I think we are better off with others finding an identity with LeBron as opposed to without him.

I might limit his minutes in this one or, give him the 4th quarter off if its safe to do so. Other than that, he should play on. ( Now….turn to.)

I'm Polish...what's your excuse?

by Juannieboy on Mar 19, 2010 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Let’s just get and maintain a huge lead first. Lately even poor teams have been hanging tough with us, and we are playing for home court throughout the playoffs and the finals…something which is certainly far from guaranteed at this point.

by johnnyphoenix on Mar 19, 2010 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Powe, Powe, and more Powe

I am excited about getting Powe more game time. He has a knack for being able to get fouled under the basket. And then , believe this if you can, he actually makes the free throws. I want this guy in shape and ready to go in the last quarter of each playoff game.

If I am correct he is the only NBA Champion ring bearer on the roster. His playoff mentality should be a big boost. Now lets see him put some defensive pressure on the PF position and we will be deeper than we have seen all year.

Playoff Roster
C- Shaq/ Z
PF- Jamison/Varejao/Powe
SF- Lebron/Moon
SG- Parker/Williams/Gibson
PG- Mo/ West

Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes

by lifelongvike on Mar 19, 2010 3:36 PM CDT reply actions