After dominating against the Indiana Pacers, the Chicago Bulls (32-8, 15-6 away) now find themselves up against a lesser Central-Division opponent. The Bulls look to extend their winning streak to eight games against the Milwaukee Bucks (15-23, 9-8 home) who have only won two of their past seven. In their last matchup, on February 22, Joakim Noah recorded his first ever triple-double en route to a 110-91 win at the United Center.
Carlos Boozer led the Bulls in the last meeting with 20 points, as the Bulls owned the battle of the boards (49-29), assists (32-20), and field goal percentage (54.5%-42%). The Bulls must gain control over the Bucks in order to lock in an eighth straight win, as well as eight in a row against the Bucks.
The projected starters are as follows
|
|
Chicago (PPG) |
Milwaukee (PPG) |
| PG | D. Rose 22.4 | B. Jennings 18.9 |
| SG | R. Hamilton 11.3 | S. Livingston 7.3 |
| SF | L. Deng 15.8 | C. Delfino 9.2 |
| PF | C. Boozer 15.1 | E. Ilyasova 11.0 |
| C | J. Noah 9.6 | D. Gooden 13.7 |
With Andrew Bogut out for the season and Stephen Jackson (hamstring), Mike Dunleavy (personal reasons), and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (knee) all out for the game, All-Star snub Brandon Jennings will have to facilitate the offense on his own.
Richard Hamilton suffered a shoulder injury in the first two minutes of Monday nights, which appeared to be severe, but he is labeled as day-to-day. He will probably be a game-time decision.
Former Bulls coach, Scott Skiles will have his hands full with the Bulls who have hit their stride since the All-Star Break. Derrick Rose, who has been sensational as of late, will push the tempo against the Bucks defense (24th in the league in Opponents Points per Game) and try to get to the basket and draw fouls to end the game early.
With no real shot blockers, look for a strong effort from Boozer. Luol Deng should also have a great opportunity to continue his All-Star level of play as should Joakim Noah. Realistically, the Bench Mob will pick up a majority of the minutes. Provided that the Bulls sustain their current level of play, they definitely will not “Fear the Deer” in this one.
Stats from Espn.com
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Way to stay up to date when previewing a game. Rip won’t start.