Brooklyn Nets At Chicago Bulls at 8pm ET on TNT | Denver Nuggets at Golden State at 10:30pm ET on TNT
Tonight’s slate of NBA action features two must win games for the home teams up 3-2, to avoid the possibility of a game 7 on the road. Game 1 pits the Brooklyn Nets against the Chicago Bulls; and in the latter half of the night, we’ll see the Nuggets try and get more physical with the Denver Nuggets. Although both home teams are leading each series 3-2 , with possible series clinching victories tonight; the pressure is on Chicago and Golden St. to avoid a road game 7 this weekend.
You can check after the jump for previews of both games. Win or Go HOME!
*UPDATE* Loul Deng Is Out Of Action Tonight Due To An “Illness”.
Brooklyn Nets Look To Extend Series Back Home Down 3-2.
The Chicago Bulls have been one of the biggest surprises all year; being able to maintain a steady record without their star point guard Derrick Rose, who hasn’t seen a single minute of action this year. Now with the postseason in full bloom, the team is dealing with more injuries in Joakim Noah and Kirk Hinrich.
Hinrich’s expected to miss tonight’s game with bruised left calf making it his second straight. Already having lack of depth in their back-court with Rose out and now Kirk, the Bulls will have to rely on the heroics of Nate Robinson to fill a major void for scoring. Marco Belinelli could also see some extending playing time tonight which will be needed along with Jimmy Butler and Loul Deng already playing 40+ minutes.
Another key for the Bulls will be their back-up big men which Taj Gibson and Nazr Mohammed, who both had good game 4’s the last time Chicago played at home. Helping Noah, who’s playing virtually on one leg and attracting the defense from focusing on Carlos Boozer will be needed tonight. It’s no joke on paper, the Nets are the better team to win game if this were simulated ball; but the team has no cohesiveness and respected coach to make a deep playoff run. We’re not convinced Brooklyn can stay consistent against one of the best defenses in the NBA.
The Nets, with the exception of Brook Lopez, have been one of the biggest disappointments this season acquiring quote on quote superstars the last 2 off-seasons. Winning tonight would be in the best interest of the Bulls with Brooklyn going “hot and cold” every week.
Golden State Must Get PSYCHICAL In Potential Series Finale Against Denver.
The team we’re most concerned about in this year’s playoffs is by far the Golden St. Warriors who were victim to the “old NBA” lifestyle of no-calls and hand-checking against the George Karl-coached Denver Nuggets. Sunday night, the Warriors were the talk of the NBA and sports world after their impressive 50% FG shooting from the floor led by Stephen Curry (who had arguably the most exciting single quarter performance of the year).
It’s crazy to think Golden St. would actually have a legitimate shot at making it to the Western Conference finals; but with their potential injury-prone and aging next opponent San Antonio Spurs waiting for the outcome of this series, anything can virtually happen next round with the Warriors shooting this well from beyond-the-arch. Denver’s key tonight will be their defense like seen in game 5 at home.
If they cause problems for Golden St.’s inside scoring (or lack there-of) leaving no focus left from the perimeter; Seth, Harrison and Klay might be in trouble tonight against the lengthy Nuggets. Although the Nuggets are on the ropes fighting for their last breath of the season; this game is more important for Golden St. to close out at home avoiding game 7 in Denver.