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| (Photo: bleacherreport.com) |
Today, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Bulls tip-off playoff action at 1:00 pm. The Sixers come into today’s Game 1 with a record of 35-31 and finishing third in the Atlantic Division. While, the Bulls come in with a record of 50-16 and finishing first in the Central Division.
Both of these teams play tremendous and it is shown through the category of points allowed. The Sixers are third in points allowed with 89.4 points per game. The Sixers defense was slacking towards the end of the season but they picked it up against the Pacers in a thrilling overtime victory. On the other hand, the Bulls are first in points allowed with 88.2 points per game. The Bulls defense has been good all season, even though with an ailing Derrick Rose. The Bulls have good defenders such as Luol Deng on the perimeter, Joakim Noah, and Carlos Boozer on the inside. Defense will be a key in this series!
My standout player for the Sixers in this series is SF Andre Iguodala. Iguodala, in his last 10 games is averaging 15.1 points per game. He needs to score 15 points or more for the Sixers to have a chance and to give them another scoring option. For the Bulls, my standout player in this series is PG Derrick Rose. Rose has been fighting injuries this season but we should always remember that he can take over a game. Rose has only played in five games this month and he is only averaged 15.2 points per game during that time, which is lower than his season average 21.8 points per game.
Finally, for the Sixers to have a chance in Game 1, they have play great defense and have to get out on the fast break. If they do those things and if Iguodala score 15 points or more, then this team will steal Game 1. Game 1 can be seen on TNT and Comcast Sportsnet at 1:00 pm.
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