Game 38/82: Chicago (16-20) @ C’s (27-10)

Posted by Brian Robb on Jan 14, 2010 53976 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2010%2F01%2F14%2Fgame-3882-chicago-17-20-cs-27-10%2FGame+38%2F82%3A+Chicago+%2816-20%29+%40+C%27s+%2827-10%292010-01-14+22%3A04%3A17Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D5397

Chicago at Boston
8:00 EST.
TD Garden
TV: TNT

Opposing viewpoints: By The Horns Blog A Bull

Off. Efficiency: 
C’s: 109.4 points/100 possessions (9th);
Bulls: 100.4 points/100 possession (28th)

Def. Efficiency:
C’s: 101.4 points allowed/100 possessions (2nd);
Bulls: 104.4 points allowed/100 possessions (10th)

Likely Bulls Starters: Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng, Taj Gibson, Joakim Noah

Injury Report

Chicago: OUT:  Jerome James QUESTIONABLE: Taj Gibson (foot)
Boston: OUT: Marquis Daniels, Kevin Garnett Rasheed Wallace (foot)

WHAT THE BULLS DO WELL:

• Rebound, Rebound, Rebound (Especially on the offensive end). They grab 29 percent of all available offensive boards this year, which is good for 5th in the league. With hated Celtic foes Brad Miller and Joakim Noah at the helm here going against a depleted Celtic front line without KG and Rasheed Wallace, this will be a main area of emphasis tonight. Brian Scalabrine, Glen Davis and Shelden Williams will have to give Perk help to keep these guys at bay.

Lots of Things on Defense (Some Highlights)

* Top 5 in defending the 3 ball
* Do not let their opponents get to the line (4th in league)

WHAT THE BULLS DO POORLY:

• That whole offense thing. It’s got a little better lately but this team has had a lot of trouble putting the ball in the hoop on a regular basis through any means necessary. They can’t get to the line (26th in league), shoot the ball (29th in eFG%) or take care of the ball for that matter (23rd in league in turnover percentage) Put it together, throw in a questionable coach with Vinny Del Negro and you have a trainwreck on the offensive end of the floor.

• GUY WHO CONCERNS ME:

• Other than Derrick Rose? Joakim Noah has always been a thorn in the C’s side and with the C’s lacking reserves, he should be able to feast on the boards tonight.

• GUY WHO DOES NOT CONCERN ME:

• Tyrus Thomas.
He might start if Gibson can’t go but has shown nothing this year. Scal I am sure will shut him down easily, much like he did with Josh Smith on Monday night. I’m kidding…..or am I?

• WHAT WE WANT TO SEE FROM THE CELTICS:

Foot on the Gas

This team played so so well last night against a team in New Jersey that failed to show up. Yes, the Nets didn’t play any defense, but the C’s also put on a clinic on the offensive end in the 1st half with their passing and play in transition. The 2nd half was another story for obvious reasons, but when KG and Sheed are out, the C’s are clearly at their best when they get out and run, instead of being lulled into a back and forth half court affair like they were against Atlanta on Monday. With limited minutes last night, look for the C’s to have enough in the gas tank tonight to punish Chicago early and often.

PREDICTION: The Bulls are playing better lately, but are still horrendous on the road (3-13). The C’s build off the momentum from last night and cruise to a win before a nice 3 day respite until Monday’s tilt against Dallas.

Boston 105, Chicago 92