Bulls (1-0) vs. Celtics (2-0)
Game time: 8pm ESPN
Team Leaders
Scoring
Bos: Paul Pierce 19 ppg Bulls: Luol Deng 17 ppg
Rebounding
Bos: Kevin Garnett 8.5 rpg Bulls: Joakim Noah 10 rpg
Assists
Bos: Rajon Rondo 10.5 apg Bulls: Derrick Rose 7 apg
Who'll go off: Rasheed Wallace. Yes, the Bulls have an athletic frontcourt with Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah, but I like Sheed matching up against the lumbering Brad Miller. I also expect Ray Allen to have a good shooting night. I don't think John Salmons is quick enough to hang with him.
Who needs to be stopped: Derrick Rose is the obvious answer, but I put my target on Kirk Hinrich. He was a tough cover for the Celtics in last year's playoff series. He provides offensive punch off the bench, however he will be going head-to-head with Marquis Daniels this time around.
The C's will lose if: They get too wild on offense. With Rondo and Rose racing up court, this could turn into a fast break frenzy. The Celtics will need to protect the ball and minimize turnovers.
Wildcard: The Bulls are coming off a 92-85 win (at home) over San Antonio. Now they fly halfway across the country for a battle with the Celtics. I don't see the Bulls having the energy to compete with the Celts for a full 48 minutes tonight.
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