<div align="center"> @ Date: Saturday, October 15, 7:30 Where: United Center</div> <font color=""Red""> Chicago Bulls</font> " target="_blank">http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profile...yers/3710.jpg"></a> Lineup: Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Othella Harrington, Tyson Chandler <font color=""SeaGreen""> Boston Celtics </font> Lineup: Delonte West, Ricky Davis, Paul Pierce, Raef LaFrentz, Mark Blount Injuries for Bulls: Tim Thomas: Sprained Right Ankle Chris Duhon: strained groin E Pike- Sore left knee Break Down For the Bulls: Preseason is the key word here, don’t expect Skiles to give extended minutes to any of the quote “key players” players trying to get a starting job Sweetney, Gordon, etc might see some extended action. Skiles has done a good job so far not really over playing anyone no one got over 30 minutes last game. Gordon is probably starting again due to Duhon’s injured groin so he will get an even better shot to be a starter this season. Othella Harrington in my preview is the projected starter, because of his experience, but I would not be surprised to see Mike get in there instead. The Bulls although lost to the Grizzle, but still come into this game with momentum after making a 21 point comeback, and really pushing the game into the final minutes. Result: I really am not a preseason guy I like seeing the young guys show what they got and all, but think at the end of the day it’s just a extended summer league in which the older players get a chance to compete as well, and get themselves into shape. I rarely read much into the final score. I am going to say though just for the sake of giving a prediction that the Bulls will lose 89-81. (My previews will be more in depth when the season starts, but I find it hard to get excited for the preseason.)
Minor news out of Boston about Tony Allen <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Though Tony Allen was not expected to accompany the Celtics to his hometown for tonight's game against the Bulls, the injured guard is apparently ready to talk with Chicago police about an Aug. 28 shooting he allegedly witnessed. Though not named as a suspect, Allen was present during a 3:30 a.m. shooting at the White City Grill. An alleged member of his entourage reportedly shot Marktwain Johnson twice, in the left arm and side. Nigel Odum, who in a civil suit also brought by Johnson has charged Allen with throwing a punch, suffered a broken left eye socket in the incident. Though attorney Michael Zaslavsky initially told Allen not to cooperate with police, that position is about to change. Zaslavsky said yesterday that Allen plans a trip to Chicago next week to discuss the case with members of the Chicago police department's violent crimes unit. ``The decision for him not to come in with the team (today) is not up to me,'' Zaslavsky said. ``He is injured, and that is their decision. But I am in the process of arranging something with them for next week. I'll be bringing Tony in at that time.'' Police have not identified the shooter and reportedly believe that Allen may be protecting the man's identity. ``I think Mr. Allen will find himself in a precarious position, since he's going to be asked about people he knows,'' said Rahsaan Gordon, the attorney representing Johnson and Odum in the civil suit. ``It's a good thing that he's coming in, though it's six weeks late. But this has little to do with the civil aspect of the case. As the civil case approaches he won't have any choice but to come back again.''</div> <div align="center">Source</div>
Marcus Banks will also not be present for this game, as he has a left tibia stress reaction injury. Also, chances are very good we will see Ryan Gomes in the starting five today rather than Ricky Davis.
I watched this game last night, I think that NBA TV is showing some free preseason games. If I were a Bulls fan I would be very happy with what I saw. I realize that it's only a preseason game but those Bulls came out hard on defense. I mean the filled the passing lane, hands were up, the had good rotation, and I think they stopped penetration pretty good too. Let's hope last season was just the beginning of many successful seasons.
<div align="center"><div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Mike Sweetney continues to pay immediate dividends for the Chicago Bulls. Sweetney scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds as the Bulls recorded a 116-97 exhibition victory over the Boston Celtics. </div> Recap l Box Score</div> Very good game for the Bulls Sweetney like expected did replace Harrington in the starting lineup, and once again paid immediate dividends and played out of his mind continuing to make the trade look even better for the Bulls. Hope he keeps this up, Davis will be a good mentor for him when he resigns with the Bulls.
