<div align="center"> <font size=""3"">Bulls Season and First Round Look</font></div> Last season the Bulls were tossed from the NBA Playoffs by the to-be Champions Miami Heat. Strangely enough, back then the Bulls weren’t as strong as they are now, but they gave Miami considerably their strongest opposition throughout the Playoffs in that first round series. The Bulls have dominated most of this season against Miami winning their series 3 to 1. Now the Bulls hope to continue that trend heading into the post season where they will look to extract some revenge against their seemingly arch-rivals in this era. Even with the Bulls winning their season series against the Heat everyone will have to remember that they [Miami] are the defending champions and during Playoff time with their season in jeopardy they won’t be sitting on their hands. However, neither will the Bulls. This series should be one of the epic battles of the 2007 NBA Playoffs. [div=50%]The Bulls came into this season with a fresh look while still remaining young at heart. They picked up defensive wizard Ben Wallace from free agency and hoped to make an impact. They did just that taking down the defending champions on opening day with a huge blow out win to spoil the Heat festivities. While the beginning of the regular season was a bit slow after opening day the Bulls picked up steam and soon enough were taking down tougher Eastern Conference opponents like the Detroit Pistons, whom Chicago also beat out in their season series as well. Chicago has even put down the top dogs the Dallas Mavericks who are definitely tipped to win it all. The Playoffs are a different story and the Bulls have suffered two years straight with early defeats in the first round. This time out they’ll be looking to better their previous runs and advance further. • Ben Gordon won’t be on fire every game as we’ve seen all season he can be as cold as ice sometimes. He is not consistent enough to help this team win every game, but that is why the Bulls have depth. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t play an important role however. • Kirk Hinrich will have to step up on the offensive end, which he seems to always do on road trips. He’ll also have to remain vigilant on the defensive end and keep away from guarding larger players who always take advantage of him during clutch situations. [/div] • Luol Deng has been quiet the last week or so, but surely he’ll be looking forward to a healthy post season success. He has picked up a great mid range shot since Scott Skiles has told him to stop taking so many three point attempts. It has improved his overall game and in only his third NBA season he nearly averages a double-double in points and rebounds. • Andrs Nocioni is back and hopefully ready to show off why he has become so popular and so valuable to this team. Last season he averaged 13 PPG during the regular season, but in the Playoffs he exploded on the offensive end increasing his scoring numbers to over 22 PPG. Other key factors that will help the Bulls edge out the Heat will be the electricity and athleticism of Tyrus Thomas and increased defensive play from their long guard/forward Thabo Sefolosha. P.J. Brown and Malik Allen will also likely be called upon to help on the offensive end since both players have a solid shot and work hard when they’re on their floor. Chris Duhon is feeling much better these days and could be a deciding factor if play comes down to bench scoring. Du and Nocioni could be the key factors to turning down the Heat. Shaquille O’Neal will be the most dominant figure on the floor for Miami in this series as Dwayne Wade has been suffering since his return. The Bulls will have to try something new instead of the old hack-a-Shaq routine that most teams rely on to get by easy points. They will also need to watch out for open players like Jason Kapono and Jason Williams when Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O’Neal draw double teams otherwise they’ll suffer down the stretch from open three point shots. The Bulls will need to keep playing tough defense while moving the ball around quickly. They also need to prevent their opponents from grabbing too many offensive rebounds. This has cost the Bulls nearly every game they've lost this season, which speaks volumes. Forcing turnovers on offensive fouls is another key factor into gaining momentum for players like Luol Deng and Andrs Nocioni who, often more then others, feed off of the crowd reactions to their play on the floor. <div align="center"></div> With the Bulls' depth and resurgence it is hard to bet against them even though they will be facing a tough Miami team. All-in-all the Bulls have a better team play about them this season and have unselfish players who distribute the ball more frequently then most teams. If everything falls into place and everyone makes their usual contributions night in and night out this Bulls team has the chance to take out the Heat in under six games. If the Bulls crash and burn they will have a difficult time staying with the Heat and could be out by a game seven showdown. <div align="center"> <font size=""3"">First Round Schedule</font> (4) <font color=""Red"">Miami Heat</font> vs. <font color=""DarkRed"">Chicago Bulls</font> (5) Series Schedule Game 1: Sat., April 21 @ Chicago, 2pm CST, ABC Game 2: Tue., Apr. 24 @ Chicago, 7pm CST, TNT Game 3: Fri., Apr. 27 @ Miami, 7pm CST, ESPN Game 4: Sun., Apr. 29 @ Miami, 12pm CST, ABC Game 5: Tue., May 1 @ Chicago * if needed Game 6: Thu., May 3 @ Miami * if needed Game 7: Sat., May 5 @ Chicago * if needed (3) <font color=""Red"">Toronto Raptors</font> vs. <font color=""DarkBlue"">New Jersey Nets</font> (6) Series Schedule Game 1: Sat., Apr. 21 @ Toronto, 11:30am CST, ESPN Game 2: Tue., Apr. 24 @ Toronto, 6pm CST, NBATV Game 3: Fri., Apr. 27 @ New Jersey, 6pm CST, ESPN2 Game 4: Sun., Apr. 29 @ New Jersey, 6:30pm CST, TNT Game 5: Tue., May 1 @ Toronto * if needed Game 6: Fri., May 4 @ New Jersey * if needed Game 7: Sun., May 6 @ Toronto * if needed (2) <font color=""Maroon"">Cleveland Cavaliers</font> vs. <font color=""RoyalBlue"">Washington Wizards</font> (7) Series Schedule Game 1: Sun., Apr. 22 @ Cleveland, 11:30am, TNT Game 2: Wed., Apr. 25 @ Cleveland, 7pm, NBATV Game 3: Sat., Apr. 28 @ Washington, 4:30pm, TNT Game 4: Mon., Apr. 30 @ Washington * TBD Game 5: Wed., May 2 @ Cleveland * if needed Game 6: Fri., May 4 @ Washington * if needed Game 7: Sun., May 6 @ Cleveland * if needed (1) <font color=""RoyalBlue"">Detroit Pistons</font> vs. <font color=""LightBlue"">Orlando Magic</font> (8) Series Schedule Game 1: Sat., Apr. 21 @ Detroit, 6pm CST, ESPN Game 2: Mon., Apr. 23 @ Detroit, 6pm CST, TNT Game 3: Thu., Apr. 26 @ Orlando, 7pm CST, TNT Game 4: Sat., Apr. 28 @ Orlando, 2pm CST, TNT Game 5: Tue., May. 1 @ Detroit * if needed Game 6: Thu., May 3 @ Orlando * if needed Game 7: Sat., May 5 @ Detroit * if needed (4) <font color=""DarkBlue"">Utah Jazz</font> vs. <font color=""Red"">Houston Rockets</font> (5) Series Schedule Game 1: Sat., Apr. 21 @ Houston, 8:30pm CST, ESPN Game 2: Mon., Apr. 23 @ Houston, 8:30pm CST, TNT Game 3: Thu., Apr. 26 @ Utah, 8pm CST, NBA TV Game 4: Sat., Apr. 28 @ Utah, 9:30pm CST, ESPN Game 5: Mon., Apr. 30 @ Houston * if needed Game 6: Thu., May 3 @ Utah * if needed Game 7: Sat., May 5 @ Houston * if needed (3) <font color=""Silver"">San Antonio Spurs</font> vs. <font color=""SkyBlue"">Denver Nuggets</font> (6) Series Schedule Game 1: Sun., Apr. 22 @ San Antonio, 6pm CST, TNT Game 2: Wed., Apr. 25 @ San Antonio, 6pm CST, TNT Game 3: Sat., Apr. 28 @ Denver, 7pm CST, ESPN Game 4: Mon., Apr. 30 @ Denver * TBD Game 5: Wed., May 2 @ San Antonio * if needed Game 6: Fri., May 4 @ Denver * if needed Game 7: Sun., May 6 @ San Antonio * if needed (2) <font color=""Indigo"">Phoenix Suns</font> vs. <font color=""Gold"">Los Angeles Lakers</font> (7) Series Schedule Game 1: Sun., Apr. 22 @ Phoenix, 2pm CST, ABC Game 2: Tue., Apr. 24 @ Phoenix, 9:30pm CST, TNT Game 3: Thu., Apr. 26 @ Los Angeles, 9:30pm CST, TNT Game 4: Sun., Apr. 29 @ Los Angeles, 2:30pm CST, ABC Game 5: Wed., May 2 @ Phoenix * if needed Game 6: Fri., May 4 @ Los Angeles * if needed Game 7: Sun., May 6 @ Phoenix * if needed (1) <font color=""DarkBlue"">Dallas Mavericks</font> vs. <font color=""DarkOrange"">Golden State Warriors</font> (8) Series Schedule Gm 1: Sun., Apr. 22 @ Dallas, 8:30pm CST, TNT Gm 2: Wed., Apr. 25 @ Dallas, 8:30pm CST, TNT Gm 3: Fri., Apr. 27 @ Golden State, 9:30pm CST, ESPN Gm 4: Sun., Apr. 29 @ Golden State, 9pm CST, TNT Gm 5: Tue., May 1 @ Dallas * if needed Gm 6: Thu., May 3 @ Golden State * if needed Gm 7: Sat., May 5 @ Dallas * if needed </div>
Good stuff, M Two One. I think despte the Bulls' hard work this season, they'll be eliminated in the first round by Miami. Although 7th seed, a Miami team that has Wade now is still very a dangerous and a championship contender. Again, nice effort on the preview.
^ They're a 4th seed. But everyone's giving Miami too much credit. We took them to 6 games with a 100 lb Center who guarding Shaq. We now have Big Ben, we're a much better team than we were last year, while Miami isn't the same team they were last year. We have homecourt, we play well against Miami, beating them 3/4 times this year, and I think at least 2 of them were blowouts. I'm not saying we're gonna win for sure, but we aren't the underdogs here.
The Miami Heat are the most overrated team in this entire playoff field. People are looking at last years team (that we took to the limit) and not what they have on the court this year. Wade always struggles in Chicago, and he is coming in hurt so he will struggle even further. Last year the main reason we lost was because we didn't really have anyone to handle Shaq. Now we got Wallace, Tyrus, and Brown. This is why Big Ben got his cash. Its put up or shut up time. I'm more worried about having to play Detroit in the second round than Miami first round to be honest with you. Good job by the way M21.
<div class="quote_poster">Blur Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I'm more worried about having to play Detroit in the second round than Miami first round to be honest with you. Good job by the way M21.</div> So am I but I hope the Bulls are not overlooking Miami. We have yet to win a first round series since MJ left and both times we should have won it. We need to be on our A game.
The Bulls will be very comfortable in this series. both teams know eachother very well. I cant wait till we beat that team full of crybabies(walker,posey,payton). The only team that worries me is if we have to meet SanAn during the playoffs. This was a good series preview. Look to see alot of the Wallace Thomas combination. Ben will guard Shaq while ty will help out on help D. GL Team!!! Go Bulls!!!!
I think its gonna be an exciting series just like last year. Both teams have a past history with each other and comments have already been made by players on both teams. Bulls are a great team, but I just can't vision the defending champs getting knocked out in the first round.. With that said, Just gonna throw it out there, I'm willing to make one of those sig bets, like if the Heat win the series you gotta rock a sig with Heat own Bulls, and if Heat lose I'll use a Bulls own Heat sig. If any of you are up for it? But anyways, Great playoff preview M TWO ONE and may the best team win.
I'd do the sig thing, but I need to rock this one for the Sabres playoff run. <div align="center"><font size=""3"">Predictions Time!</font> Who's going to win this series? Better yet, predict every series in the first round.</div>
<div class="quote_poster">Ed! Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">^ They're a 4th seed. But everyone's giving Miami too much credit. We took them to 6 games with a 100 lb Center who guarding Shaq. We now have Big Ben, we're a much better team than we were last year, while Miami isn't the same team they were last year. We have homecourt, we play well against Miami, beating them 3/4 times this year, and I think at least 2 of them were blowouts. I'm not saying we're gonna win for sure, but we aren't the underdogs here.</div> I'm on something else. I don't know why I wrote that. Still, I've always supported the notion: "Never underestimate the heart of a champion." Miami, depsite being the reigning NBA champions, is the underdog in this series. I think Shaq, Wade, and everyone will be rejuvenated for the playoffs.
<div class="quote_poster">Miami Flash City Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I think its gonna be an exciting series just like last year. Both teams have a past history with each other and comments have already been made by players on both teams. Bulls are a great team, but I just can't vision the defending champs getting knocked out in the first round.. With that said, Just gonna throw it out there, I'm willing to make one of those sig bets, like if the Heat win the series you gotta rock a sig with Heat own Bulls, and if Heat lose I'll use a Bulls own Heat sig. If any of you are up for it? But anyways, Great playoff preview M TWO ONE and may the best team win.</div> I got you....
<div class="quote_poster">MrJ Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I'm on something else. I don't know why I wrote that. Still, I've always supported the notion: "Never underestimate the heart of a champion." Miami, depsite being the reigning NBA champions, is the underdog in this series. I think Shaq, Wade, and everyone will be rejuvenated for the playoffs.</div> From what I have read Miami are favourites to win by the 'experts'
Yes, most "experts" say Miami in seven games. Mind you these are the same "experts" who said that Detroit would lose in four to the Lakers in the finals a few years ago.
So Ed and I are down for whatever sig bet you Miami fans want to do. I'm sick of hearing everyone talk about how great Miami is because of what they accomplished last year. I love Dwyane, but with his injury, Chicago's depth, and how we proved we can beat you guys even when healthy. I will be extremely surprised if Miami beats us.
<font size=""3"">Round One</font> EASTERN CONFERENCE 01. Detroit Pistons <font color=""Red"">4</font> 08. Orlando Magic 1 04. Miami Heat 2 05. Chicago Bulls <font color=""red"">4</font> 02. Cleveland Cavaliers <font color=""red"">4</font> 07. Washington Wizards 1 03. Toronto Raptors <font color=""red"">4</font> 06. New Jersey Nets 2 WESTERN CONFERENCE 01. Dallas Mavericks <font color=""red"">4</font> 08. Golden State Warriors 2 04. Utah Jazz 2 05. Houston Rockets <font color=""red"">4</font> 02. Phoenix Suns <font color=""red"">4</font> 07. Los Angeles Lakers 1 03. San Antonio Spurs <font color=""red"">4</font> 06. Denver Nuggets 2 I think the Jazz and Rockets series could be a seven game series if Utah are to bring more competition. The way they've been playing down the stretch at the end of the regular season hasn't been the brightest of moments. Orlando could steal one game and I think the Lakers are going to need a massive game from Kobe and company to put down the Suns one or two games. I can't see the Lakers going on to the next round. I think the Mavericks will underestimate the Warriors, but not to an extent to them actually stretching that first series beyond one or two extra games.
<div class="quote_poster">Miami Flash City Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I think its gonna be an exciting series just like last year. Both teams have a past history with each other and comments have already been made by players on both teams. Bulls are a great team, but I just can't vision the defending champs getting knocked out in the first round.. With that said, Just gonna throw it out there, I'm willing to make one of those sig bets, like if the Heat win the series you gotta rock a sig with Heat own Bulls, and if Heat lose I'll use a Bulls own Heat sig. If any of you are up for it? But anyways, Great playoff preview M TWO ONE and may the best team win.</div> So is this bet still going? You never answered me.
<div class="quote_poster">Ed! Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Hey I'm down with a sig bet. I'll do a 10 year sig bet with any heat fans that wanna go </div> Greatest.Sig.Of.All.Time
