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| The look of someone who is off the schneid, finally |
When: 8:00 pm; Saturday, December 15th, 201
Where: United Center; Chicago, IL
TV: YES Network
After missing seven games with a sprained foot, Brook Lopez returned to the Nets yesterday, albeit not in the starting lineup, during their win over the Pistons. Tonight, he will finally start yet again, as the Nets take on the Derrick Rose-less Chicago Bulls. Brook did play 24 so so minutes yesterday and probably won't play much more tonight. After how bad the Nets played without him in the lineup, it's clear that the last thing they need is for him to be for any more time, so playing the injury slow is the smartest thing to do.
Both of these teams are coming off of pretty close wins, so the Nets–having beat the Pistons in a tight, double overtime win last night–don't have the luxury of playing a struggling Bulls squad as Brooklyn saunters into the Windy City after a late night and little sleep. Astoundingly, the Bulls have managed to start the season in 1st-place in the Central Division as their best player, Rose, can only watch from the sidelines. Guards picked up this offseason by Chicago–Kirk Hinrich, Marco Belinelli, and Nate Robinson–have been a major reason for that quick start, with each of them fullfilling the specialized role Tom Thibodeau needs them to.
Tonight's game also represents a homecoming of sorts as C.J. Watson and Keith Bogans–who each played for Chicago for a few seasons apiece–who are making their return trip to United Center for the first time since leaving the Bulls franchise. Not exactly Michael Jordan returning to Chicago or Karl Malone to Utah but still, it's possible C.J. and Keith could get a boost by playing against their former employer.
Probable Lineups
NETS- D-Will (PG), Joe Johnson (SG), Wallace (SF), Evans (PF), Lopez (C)
CHI- Robinson (PG), Belinelli (SG), Deng (SF), Boozer (PF), Noah (C)
Final Thoughts
The Bulls are still good, even without Derrick Rose, so tonight should probably be close. Looking forward to see how Brook responds in a back-to-back and if Joe can continue his good play from yesterday's win.
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