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BOBCATS AT BULLS
8 p.m., United Center
TV: SportSouth, WGN. Radio: WFNZ-AM 610
Projected Starters
|
BOBCATS |
BULLS |
||||||
|
Pos |
Player |
Reb. |
Pts |
Pos |
Player |
Reb. |
Pts |
|
F |
G. Wallace |
14.0 |
15.8 |
F |
L. Deng |
10.5 |
17.8 |
|
F |
B. Diaw |
5.0 |
11.0 |
F |
T. Gibson |
4.5 |
5.3 |
|
C |
T. Chandler |
7.3 |
5.5 |
C |
J. Noah |
9.8 |
10.0 |
|
G |
R. Bell |
4.0 |
3.0 |
G |
J. Salmons |
3.0 |
10.5 |
|
G |
R. Felton |
3.8 |
12.5 |
G |
D. Rose |
3.5 |
4.8 |
Matchup to Watch
Luol Deng vs. Gerald Wallace: These have to be two of the league's most physical small forwards, as reflected in their combined 24.5 rebounds per game. Deng is coming off a big contribution in Thursday's win in Cleveland.
Observations
Wallace became the first Bobcat other than now-departed Emeka Okafor to assemble a 20-20 game in points and rebounds. He went for 24 points and a career-high 20 boards vs. the Nets.
Former Wake Forest star James Johnson did himself no favors by showing up for the draft combine overweight and out of shape. But he'll do just fine with the Bulls because he's such a skilled player who fits in either forward spot.
Sacramento's salary dump last season worked out well in Chicago. John Salmon's presence made it less painful not to re-sign Ben Gordon and Brad Miller is good for about 10 a night as a backup center-forward.
Remember all the fuss about whether the Bulls did the right thing by choosing Derrick Rose over Michael Beasley? It's not even a discussion now; Beasley is a decent player for Miami, but Rose is a guy you can build a team around.
Tap-ins
Fouls are a good measure of center Tyson Chandler's rust; he's committing one for every 61/2 minutes.
The Bulls lost power forward Tyrus Thomas to a broken arm, but that team has a lot of depth to compensate.
Bobcats and Bulls are last and next-to-last in points per game.
Regarding these teams' low scoring - they're two of only three teams in the league averaging three or fewer 3-pointers this season.
Did you know?
Former N.C. State player Vinny Del Negro was never an assistant before the Bulls named him their coach entering last season. Del Negro worked in the Phoenix Suns' front office and did some television analysis after a 14-year playing career in the NBA and overseas.
Rick Bonnell
