2011 NBA Eastern Conference Preview- Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat
[ad#bodog-250]The Chicago Bulls swept the Miami Heat during the season 3 game to none. Things have changed a bit since the last game in early March. But you can’t take away the fact it was a sweep. During the season the Bulls won 62 games and lost 20 and the Heat won 58 games and lost 24.
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The Bulls advanced by defeating the Pacers 4 games to 1 and then dispatching the Atlanta Hawks 4-2 while the Heat defeated the 76’ers 4-1 and the Celtics 4-1. Games 1 and 2 will be played at the United Center in Chicago beginning on Sunday May 15th. Every game will be broadcast on TNT for you viewing pleasure.
Both teams are getting all their players back from injuries as the Heat now have Udonis Haslem ready to get some playing time while the Bulls are watching Carlos Boozer and his turf toe condition very carefully. When full strength the Bulls averages 105 points a game and were #1 in the NBA in defensive average at 97.4. The Heat ranked 3rd in scoring with 109.3 while allowing 100.8 points to their opponents per game.
The Bulls have Derrick Rose as their star and the 2011 MVP of the league. When looking at the stats one eye-popping number is that the Bulls possessions end 42.2% of the time with the ball in the hands of Rose. The Heat will throw Mario Chalmers and Dwayne Wade at him from the defensive side of the floor. Carlos Boozer was a monster in game 6 but he must remain healthy in order for the team to have success. Other players that are vital will be the rebounding and defense of Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson to win this series.
The Heat will have the Big Three that everyone has followed all year. Dwayne Wade must be the defensive stopper first in this series and a corer second. He will need to allow LeBron James and Chris Bosh to score while he concentrates on Derrick Rose. Bosh will likely draw Noah to defend and that is no treat. But he just finished a series doing a great job handling Kevin Garnett on defense.
This is going to be an entertaining series with many subplots to watch. The Heat were put together for this very series they are playing. They have the horses to ride all the way to the end. The Bulls are riding the coattails of Rose with some Boozer in the mix. The hard fought series favors the Heat as they are almost all healthy at this time while the Bulls need Carlos Boozer to stay on the floor. Look for the Heat to win this series in 6 games.
