Golden State Warriors vs. Chicago Bulls
United Center, Chicago, IL 5PM PST
TV: CSNBA// Radio: KNBR 680
Blog Buddy: Blog A Bull
The Warriors are toddling into Chicago on a nice little win streak. The Bulls are sporting an identical 7-3 record over the last 10 games, and are pushing for a higher playoff spot themselves. David Lee is a game time decision - so, apparently, is Jimmy Butler.
This game will come down to pace. The Bulls want to play slowly - very, very, slowly. They shoot badly, rebound well, and get a ton of free throws relative to shots attempted. The key to the game, then, is defensive rebounding. The Bulls are third in OReb% - if the Warriors have a moderately turnover-free game while rebounding without fouling too much, it should be relatively simple. If not easy.
Stephen Curry has moved his highlight quarter from the third to the fourth, and has been simply superstartacular since the All-Star break. If David is available tonight, and barring any last-minute DNPs, the Dubs are actually as close to fullsquad as they have been all year. Save DRose, so is Chicago.
Tonight, I'm going with the Warriors by 3. Curry puts up another near-triple-double. Draymond Green and Carlos Boozer will Have Words. Andrew Bogut and Joakim Noah have fun in the paint, as do Taj Gibson and Jermaine O'Neal - you supply the values for fun.