The Chicago Bulls remain atop the Eastern Conference despite Derrick Rose’s continuing injury worries. They will likely have to do without their star man when the Celtics come to town tonight. Over in the Western Conference, the Clippers continue to impress and can claim another big road scalp in Portland tonight. Al Dannity breaks down the two marquee attractions in the NBA tonight.
Battered Bulls must be patient If Derrick Rose sits for a fourth game straight, the Bulls must avoid panicking. Chicago’s fate rests on Rose’s shoulders but if his back literally can’t take it, then there’s no point rushing a comeback. A relatively young Bulls team was eventually outclassed by the Heat in last season’s Eastern Conference Finals. Miami and Chicago are likely to duel again in the playoffs this season. With a year’s more experience, the Bulls could reverse that result but they will need to be at full power to do so. NBA betting fans know home court will mean little if Derrick Rose can’t carry this team. Luol Deng is already playing hurt. Deng and Joakim Noah have come good in recent games but they Bulls know they face a big challenge tonight.
After a downright awful start, the Celtics are finally playing like a team capable of making an impact in the playoffs. Beating Chicago 95-91 on Sunday was a huge mental boost. Now it’s time to see if they can knock off the Bulls on the road. Kevin Garnett is likely to be out for the second straight game, a loss that will leave a big gap on defense. That puts extra pressure on Rajon Rondo to improve on his dire shooting record in Chicago. Whatever offensive improvement Rondo makes, I can’t see it being enough to overcome the hungry Bulls. I like Chicago to win in primetime.
Welcome to the Blake Show It may have only been the Wizards but scoring 23 points and grabbing 15 rebounds is impressive against any NBA franchise. That’s what Blake Griffin did last night and he’ll need to come just as big in Portland on Thursday. The Trail Blazers are looking to record back to back wins for the first time in over a month but they showed toughness in a 93-91 win over the Warriors. Portland will need to up their scoring tempo to keep up with the visitors tonight. The Clippers have averaged 100.5 points in their last 12 games, winning 9 of them to open up a 2 game lead in the Pacific Division.
The Trail Blazers are likely to be without LaMarcus Aldridge tonight, a huge blow while facing the nouveau riche of the Western Conference. I like Blake Griffin and company to capitalize on Aldridge’s absence and score a big road win tonight.
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