Bulls vs Hawks Game 1 Discussion Thread

[houheffna]

Given the Bulls haters question whether the Bulls can score I think they'd be happier with grind it out sub 80 point games than 120 point games.

Totally agree...for it to be a fast paced game, you have to anticipate first that Atlanta will cause turnovers and secondly, they will rebound well defensively...the former has a better chance of happening than the latter.

And if the Bulls rattle off a bunch of 110 point games then consider the offense "fixed"....especially since they didn't average 100ppg against the league or against Atlanta.

Atlanta could barely score 85 points against Howard and a far less disciplined team defensively in the first round. Take into consideration the amount of jumpshots Atlanta tries over the course of a game and the isolations....ain't happening.

 

[RamiTheBullsFan]

The only way Atlanta scores 110 points in a game would be if Kirk Hinrich didn't play at all and Jamal Crawford just scorched the Bulls in his high volume shooting (and/or overtime).

 

[Diddy1122]

This will be a sweep. And I honestly don't think these games will be as close as people think. We had 1 really bad quarter against them in the only loss & annihilated them in the next 2 games. Playoffs or no playoffs, Atlanta's style plays right into our defensive scheme. And with no Hinrich, the offense will be almost strictly ISO JJ, Smith, & Crawford. I actually wanted to see Kirk against us, so this kind of sucks, because this won't be a series at all now.

 

[Uman85]

This will be a sweep. And I honestly don't think these games will be as close as people think. We had 1 really bad quarter against them in the only loss & annihilated them in the next 2 games. Playoffs or no playoffs, Atlanta's style plays right into our defensive scheme. And with no Hinrich, the offense will be almost strictly ISO JJ, Smith, & Crawford. I actually wanted to see Kirk against us, so this kind of sucks, because this won't be a series at all now.

Why is Hinrich not playing? I haven't seen any news on that.

 

[nwfisch]

Why is Hinrich not playing? I haven't seen any news on that.

Kirk Hinrich unlikely to get payback against Chicago - Wizards Insider - The Washington Post

Strained hamstring. Probable for Monday.

 

[james k]

I feel bad for Hinrich, but I see the Hawks going down in 5 without him (if they are even able to steal a game). Though Horford and Smith may cause issues for the Bulls' bigs, without Hinrich, the Hawks have no one who can even hope to slow down Rose. I would laugh if Crawford has to guard him for long stretches.

 

[BogansDPOY]

Bulls in 6 at the most. I'm not too concerned about the defense, but I'm curious to see how the offense plays and if there's any carry-over from game 5 of the IND series.

Not having Hinrich definitely helps, but again how we start games offensively will be telling. Here's hoping Booz steps up and plays better than the last series. If not, it's more of Taj.

 

[Anytime23]

The Bulls have by far outplayed the Hawks during the regular season with the exception of one half of basketball which was just an epic collapse.

I know the playoffs is a whole other beast but the matchups are the same and they will be without their best defender, a veteran guard who knows Rose better than anyone and brings a whole lot of playoff experience. Now Teague(sp) and Crawford are going to try and fill that role? Not happening.

I dont think the Bulls will blow them out like the regular season but i see us taking this in 4 or 5 with a few of the games coming down to the wire like they have all season, Boozer or not.

 

[Rush]

Bulls vs Hawks 7pm on TNT

Well, let's be honest, with five days off between games, there's probably not too much left to write about this series in terms of pregame. I predict destruction for the Atlanta Hawks, but I also predicted destruction for the Indiana...

Go to Source For Full Article: Bulls Confidential...

By: Doug Thonus

 

[Undisputed]

Hopefully the Bulls come out strong, unlike the Pacers series. Gotta play 48 minutes against the Hawks to win.

 

[Scoot26]

When did the Hawks last win two straight playoff series? Yep, you guessed it: 54 years ago, when they won the 1957 NBA title as the St. Louis Hawks.

Since then, they are 0-18 in series played after winning a round, and their luck doesn't figure to improve much this year against the mighty Chicago Bulls, only the top seed in the NBA. But that's why they play the games. If you don't buy that, ask the Orlando Magic, just ousted by the underdog Hawks.

The Bulls faced their own challenges in Round 1, and now they have to go forward with (or without) a hobbled Carlos Boozer, while the Hawks will be without former Bull Kirk Hinrich, out with a hamstring injury.

And while the battle between former Florida two-time title teammates Joakim Noah and Al Horford isn't exactly MJ versus Dominique, this is still a series featuring soon-to-be-named-MVP Derrick Rose, several wild cards on the Atlanta side and a bit of intrigue.

For a closer look, we asked five national and local writers for their takes:

NBA playoffs: Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls - ESPN

 

[derosabomb]

NBA mandates metal detectors

CHICAGO -- In the aftermath of the death of Osama bin Laden, the Chicago Bulls will use metal detectors to screen all patrons entering the United Center before Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.

The NBA issued the mandate for the conference semifinals and all subsequent playoff games.

Chicago's other sporting event on Monday night will also have enhanced security. White Sox security staff will be on alert when the team's series concludes with the Baltimore Orioles.

americah land of the free.

 

[Scoot26]

Glad I'm not going to tonight's game.

 

[AE23]

Finally,......... bouncing of the ball

 

[Uman85]

The elevated security and precautions are to be expected. Now bin Laden's minions will be looking to attack an event or city with a large amount of people. Chicago is unfortunately a fit in both of those categories.

 

[Anytime23]

The elevated security and precautions are to be expected. Now bin Laden's minions will be looking to attack an event or city with a large amount of people. Chicago is unfortunately a fit in both of those categories.

Miami fans will have nothing to worry about.

 

[BigP50]

here we go!

 

[Anytime23]

Jesus, another Dick Stockton called game? WTF! At least he left Chris Webber in the studio.

 

[Anytime23]

Ok at least Fratello is in the house

 

[NealKleren]

Lets go Bulls!!!