Lets first look at a little line history of this game. This game opened Chicago -4/183.5. That was late Monday. It then was quickly hit down to Chicago -2. Its been around that to 2.5 before it was taken off the board yesterday. So, the early big money was on Detroit.
Ben Wallace. He left practice on Wednesday with back spasms. Never heard of Ben having an issue back-wise in his tenure here. So, it kinda shocked me at first. Of course in my devilish thinking Skiles knows his team is better equipped to beat Detroit playing a small-ball philosophy with Ben off the floor. I told this to everyone a few months ago. Ben, in a playoff situation, hurts this team more than he helps. Anyhoo, gametime decision or whatever.
Chicago changes to lineup? Most likely not. Skiles doesn't want to show his troops that he is desperate. He did indicate that Nocioni will not be guarding Prince as much. He just doesn't have the lateral movement at this point. His thinking with having Noci on Prince is to take away the post game. The changes Chicago needs to make are staying outta foul trouble and making some shots.
One of the greatest basketball coaches in history, Chuck Daly, once said that a playoff series doesn't start till a road team wins a game. Thats what perople have to remember in this instance. Now, I fully think Detroit wins this series. They have their minds set on something unlike last year. That being said lets look at history a little bit. In both 2004 and 2006 the Stons led their 2nd round series 2-0. In both cases they lost the next 3 games before winning in 7 games(series against NJ and CLE). That is in the past though. Detroit did end that game 3 slump in the first round as well. Just some things to ponder.
Emotional edge goes to the young Bulls tonight. They haven't played at home in over 2 weeks and the crowd will be ready. My first and maybe only play on this game will be the Chicago 1st qtr. I expect them to get out of the gate strong. The key for the full game is how strong..? As long as Detroit stays close the emotion will wear off and we will have a dogfight in the second half. Thats where the game could go either way in my estimation.
Should be interesting...
Plays to follow
Ben Wallace. He left practice on Wednesday with back spasms. Never heard of Ben having an issue back-wise in his tenure here. So, it kinda shocked me at first. Of course in my devilish thinking Skiles knows his team is better equipped to beat Detroit playing a small-ball philosophy with Ben off the floor. I told this to everyone a few months ago. Ben, in a playoff situation, hurts this team more than he helps. Anyhoo, gametime decision or whatever.
Chicago changes to lineup? Most likely not. Skiles doesn't want to show his troops that he is desperate. He did indicate that Nocioni will not be guarding Prince as much. He just doesn't have the lateral movement at this point. His thinking with having Noci on Prince is to take away the post game. The changes Chicago needs to make are staying outta foul trouble and making some shots.
One of the greatest basketball coaches in history, Chuck Daly, once said that a playoff series doesn't start till a road team wins a game. Thats what perople have to remember in this instance. Now, I fully think Detroit wins this series. They have their minds set on something unlike last year. That being said lets look at history a little bit. In both 2004 and 2006 the Stons led their 2nd round series 2-0. In both cases they lost the next 3 games before winning in 7 games(series against NJ and CLE). That is in the past though. Detroit did end that game 3 slump in the first round as well. Just some things to ponder.
Emotional edge goes to the young Bulls tonight. They haven't played at home in over 2 weeks and the crowd will be ready. My first and maybe only play on this game will be the Chicago 1st qtr. I expect them to get out of the gate strong. The key for the full game is how strong..? As long as Detroit stays close the emotion will wear off and we will have a dogfight in the second half. Thats where the game could go either way in my estimation.
Should be interesting...
Plays to follow
illow:
