Post by DiamondThief on Nov 20, 2014 21:19:04 GMT -8
Chicago Bulls at Portland Trail Blazers
What: The Bulls make their lone appearance of the season in Portland.
When: Monday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Media: TV - CSNNW, ESPN; Rip City Radio 620AM.
Note: The Bulls are on their second night of a back-to-back, while the Blazers have been idle since Nov. 17.
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The Bulls (8-4, 6-1 on the road) are coming off a 103-88 road loss to the Kings on Nov. 20. They are lead by Jimmy Butler (21.5 points), Pau Gasol (10.6 rebounds, 2.5 blocks), and Derrick Rose (5.4 assists). It was reported this afternoon that Gasol, Rose and Kirk Hinrich would not play due to various injuries (see the Bulls injury report below). The Blazers (8-3, 7-1 at home) are coming off a come-from-behind 102-93 win over the Pelicans on Nov. 17. They are led by Aldridge (21.9 points and 8.0 rebounds), Damian Lillard (6.6 assists) and Robin Lopez (14 blocks). Forward, Nicolas Batum anticipates his return after missing the past four games due to a right knee contusion. Guard CJ McCollum is out for at least a month to to a fractured right finger.
Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge; Bulls' Joakim Noah
Chicago Bulls
PROJECTED STARTERS
SF - 34 Michael Dunleavy
PF - 22 Taj Gibson
C - 13 Joakim Noah
SG - 21 Jimmy Butler
PG - 0 Aaron Brooks
RESERVES
G - 12 Kirk Hinrich; 55 E'Twaun Moore; 1 Derrick Rose
F - 41 Cameron Bairstow; 16 Pau Gasol; 3 Doug McDermott; 44 Nikola Mirotic; 20 Tony Snell
C - 48 Nazr Mohammed
INJURIES
G - 1 Derrick Rose (hamstring) - out
G - 12 Kirk Hinrich (chest) - out
F - 16 Pau Gasol (calf) - out
HEAD COACH
Tom Thibodeau
Portland Trail Blazers
PROJECTED STARTERS
SF - 88 Nicolas Batum
PF - 12 LaMarcus Aldridge
C - 42 Robin Lopez
SG - 2 Wesley Matthews
PG - 0 Damian Lillard
RESERVES
G - 5 Will Barton; 25 Steve Blake; 23 Allen Crabbe
F - 18 Victor Claver; 41 Thomas Robinson; 1 Dorell Wright
C - 19 Joel Freeland; 35 Chris Kaman; 11 Meyers Leonard
INJURIES
G - 3 CJ McCollum (fractured finger) - out
F - 88 Nicolas Batum (right knee) - probable
HEAD COACH
Terry Stotts
Angi's Take
The most impressive trait of the Bulls season to date is their road record which, at 6-1, is tied for the best in the league (with the Rockets). They actually won their first six before dropping their Nov. 20 game to the Kings in Sacramento. The Blazers have won six straight in the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter and their current five-game winning streak is tied with the Mavericks for the best in the league. The Bulls come in a little dinged up. The Blazers have won the last six games over the Bulls. These teams actually met in the first round of the 1977 playoffs, with Portland winning the series 2-1. The Blazers would go on to win the NBA championship that year. Without Rose and Hinrich, the Bulls will likely start former Oregon Duck Brooks. Missing Gasol should open up things for the Blazers' Aldridge as the two have played in some very tight match ups when Gasol was in the Western Conference with the Lakers. Butler is a guy to watch as he gives the Bulls some consistent scoring. Matthews will likely be tasked to defend him (and he's more than capable of getting the job done). Given the dings at point guard for the Bulls, Lillard could have a field day. Lopez will have his hands full with Noah, but that should be an interesting match up to watch. With Kaman and Blake leading the way, the Blazers bench is superior to the Bulls. Batum expects to play after missing the last four games and will be welcome back into the lineup. Crabbe has played generally well in his place; specifically on defense. With the injury to McCollum, he will likely be on the active roster for this game. Matchup to watch: Jimmy Butler vs. Wesley Matthews.
OFFICIALS
Bill Spooner, Bennie Adams, Karl Lane.
QUOTABLE
Bulls' coach Tom Thibodeau on his team's loss to the Kings: "We got a gap in the middle of the second quarter where we got hurt. The game was won there and we couldn't get a handle on it the rest of the way."
Blazers' Nicolas Batum on potentially making his return to the lineup: "I just get some rest and make sure my knee is 100 percent before I go back. I feel good. One more practice (Thursday) and I should be fine for Friday night."
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Graphic courtesy of David.