<div align="center"> <font color="Purple">Los Angeles Lakers</font> (9-6) @ <font color="Red">Chicago Bulls</font> (1-10) Date: Wednesday, December 1st Time: 5:30 PM TV: KCAL, NBALP Previous Games Lakers @ Bucks 95-90 (WIN) Bulls @ Cavs 96-74 (LOSS) Projected Starting Lineups LAKERS <font size="1">(Rudy Tomjanovich)</font> C - <font color="purple">Chris Mihm </font>(11.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 0.5 APG) PF - <font color="purple">Lamar Odom </font>(14.2 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.6 APG) SF - <font color="purple">Caron Butler </font>(13.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.6 APG) SG - <font color="purple">Kobe Bryant </font>(28.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 6.1 APG) PG - <font color="purple">Chucky Atkins </font>(10.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.6 APG) <font size="4">VS</font> BULLS <font size="1">(Scott Skiles)</font> C - <font color="Red">Antonio Davis</font> (5.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 0.9 APG) PF - <font color="Red">Luol Deng</font> (14.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.7 APG) SF - <font color="Red">Andres Nocioni</font> (10.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.8 APG) SG - <font color="Red">Kirk Hinrich</font> (13.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 7.5 APG) PG - <font color="Red">Chris Duhon</font> (3.7 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 3.7 APG) Game MVPs LAKERS - <font color="indigo">Kobe Bryant</font> Predicted Stats: 34 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists BULLS - <font color="Red">Luol Deng</font> Predicted Stats: 24 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists</div> Brandon's Analysis Last night against the Bucks, the Lakers held Milwaukee to under 100 points. When holding teams under 100, the Lakers are undefeated. However, when the opposing team reaches past 100, the Lakers are winless. Interesting statistic? Let's apply this to the Chicago Bulls, who have reached the 100-mark three times this season (one of those games going into 2 overtimes). With their leading scorer dropping just 15 points per game (Deng), you'd have to wonder how they even manage to get close to scoring above 70...but let's not underestimate them just yet. Hinrich is able to score 30+ in a game, and could be a factor tonight, depending on where the Bulls stick him into their rotation. Tonight, expect to see Antonio Davis and Chris Duhon in the starting lineup once again (for reasons far beyond my reach). However, if they don't start, Hinrich will run the point, and Gordon could see more minutes against Kobe Bryant. If Chandler starts against Odom, look for Odom to have a nice game, mainly on the offensive end. His speed and slashing techniques will prove to be too much for Chandler, who's confidence level may be at an all-time low, just as his minutes in the last few games. The biggest matchup could be Mihm and Eddy Curry. If Mihm can control the boards early, and hold Curry to under 15 points in this game, Laker fans should be satisfied. Also, this may be the time for Rudy T to use Vlade Divac, for the sole purpose of getting Curry in foul trouble and putting him on the bench early. An important player for the Bulls, starting or off the bench, will be Luol Deng. The man has been nothing less than a ROY candidate since he's been in the league, and expect nothing less from him tonight. Depending on his position on the floor, Butler and/or Odom will have to body him in order to gain position on the boards, and use their quickness to beat him to the basket. Defensively, look to see a little help when Deng has the ball in his hands, possibly from Bryant...who may have room to roam around in this game. Two key goals for the Lakers in this game: cause turnovers and force shots. The guards need to work hard to keep Hinrich/Gordon/Duhon out of the paint, whether they are penetrating or looking for the basket. Forcing them to take shots beyond 15 feet will definitely drop their field goal percentage down to the 30's, and send this young team into a panic attack late in the game. The Bulls should let Kobe do his thing and try and shut down the rest of the team, especially Lamar Odom, who may put out near a triple double tonight. If Deng/Chandler can shut down the lane and stop Odom from playing well off the ball, his offensive game will be worthless to Los Angeles. Brandon's Prediction The Lakers seem to struggle against bad teams, but it usually happens early in the game. The Bulls are having a terrible season so far, and it doesn't look as if it's going to be any better. The Lakers should easily win this game on the road, 95-85.
I like the Lakers in this one. For one, the Bulls have NO ONE who can stop Kobe, so I look for him to explode. Especially if someone like Hinrich is guarding him early on, look for him to take off early and not slow down. Also, the Bulls, quite frankly, have not played well at all this year. They have one win and they still almost threw that game away in the waining minutes of the 4th. The Bulls will likely struggle trying to contain Kobe and Lamar. I'm thinkin Kobe will put up near triple double numbers and Lamar will go for something along the lines of 20/12. All in all, the Bulls don't stand much of a chance and I predict a Laker blowout. Lakers 101-84.
good game for the bulls, they played tough. good win, TC and curry had good games, now let's see how they do against shaq and wade tomorrow night.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting User Name::</div><div class="quote_post">good game for the bulls, they played tough. good win, TC and curry had good games, now let's see how they do against shaq and wade tomorrow night.</div> It's actually in two nights. But beyond that, the Bulls played great. Tyson had a good game, going for 10 points and grabbing an unbelieveable 18 boards. But yea, great win for Chi-town. Lets see if they keep momentum up and take down the Heat on Friday.
Great game. Luol Deng played GREAT tonight. He made Kobe pass some more and didnt give him many good looks. To make the playoffs Bulls need to play consistent ball throught 4 quarters
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NikeAir8:</div><div class="quote_post">Great game. Luol Deng played GREAT tonight. He made Kobe pass some more and didnt give him many good looks. To make the playoffs Bulls need to play consistent ball throught 4 quarters</div> that's the thing, they don't. they play until halftime 99% of the time.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Moo2K4:</div><div class="quote_post">It's actually in two nights. But beyond that, the Bulls played great. Tyson had a good game, going for 10 points and grabbing an unbelieveable 18 boards. But yea, great win for Chi-town. Lets see if they keep momentum up and take down the Heat on Friday.</div> i predict that chandler especially thinks this game against the lakers has proven him to be a star and is worth a max contract and will be a huge bust for the next 10 games and won't have another game like this for another month.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting User Name::</div><div class="quote_post">i predict that chandler especially thinks this game against the lakers has proven him to be a star and is worth a max contract and will be a huge bust for the next 10 games and won't have another game like this for another month.</div> I hope your kidding. Chandler can't even think he's worth the max. Hell, even with tonights game, I still wouldn't give him anywhere near the max. He knows he's not worth it. He's too erratic and inconsistent to get it. And I highly doubt he totally falls asleep the next few games.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Moo2K4:</div><div class="quote_post">I hope your kidding. Chandler can't even think he's worth the max. Hell, even with tonights game, I still wouldn't give him anywhere near the max. He knows he's not worth it. He's too erratic and inconsistent to get it. And I highly doubt he totally falls asleep the next few games.</div> i was, it's called sarcasm. he thinks he won't have to play all that well for the next few games becayuse this game has taken care of them. i'll e-bet you he plays like complete crap the next, say, 5 games.
