The Chicago Bulls fought off elimination with a 77-69 win at home in Game 5. The series shifts back to Philadelphia for a critical Game 6 on Thursday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 EST and will be broadcasted on NBA TV. With a win the 76ers will become just the fifth No. 8 seed to knock off a No. 1 seed in the first round. Philadelphia took command of the series with 2 wins at home in games 3 and 4, but those efforts could go to waste if they aren't able to finish off Chicago in Game 6. A loss would all the sudden give the Bulls the edge with Game 7 back in Chicago.
Oddsmakers expect another close game. Looking at the NBA lines, Philadelphia is favored by just 3-points over Chicago with the total set at 169.5 points. For the latest on this series go here.
Philadelphia
The 76ers didn't play well at all in Game 5. I don't know if they felt like they'd have no trouble beating Chicago at home in Game 6, but they didn't play with the intensity and motivation you need to finish off a series. This is a really young team that hasn't experienced of playoff success. For almost all of the series the pressure has been on Chicago, but it shifts to Philadelphia in Game 6. This is a huge game for the 76ers. I can't say I'm keen on the 76ers chances if this series returns to Chicago for a Game 7.
It was a collective struggle on the offensive end for the 76ers in Game 5. Philadelphia shot just 32% from the field and were held to just 26 points in the 1st half. Jrue Holliday had a team-high 16 points, but was only 5 of 17 from the field. Lou Williams and Andre Iguodala combined for just 24 points on 8 of 29 shooting. Spencer Hawes was held to just 11 points after finishing games 3 and 4 with 20+ points.
A lot of that has to do with how well the Bulls played defensively, but it isn't going to get any easier in Game 6. Somebody is going to have to step up and have a big game offensively for Philadelphia to advance.
Chicago
The Bulls weren't about to let Philadelphia end their season on their home floor. Chicago was outstanding on the defensive end and got just enough from the offense to force a Game 6. It was the first time that the Bulls were able to win a game in the series without Derrick Rose. It could very well be the turning point in the series. The Bulls could have easily won one of the 2 games in Philadelphia, and this team now has the confidence it has been needing since they lose their best player.
Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng played exceptionally well in Game 5. Deng scored a game-high 24 points on 10 of 19 shooting, including 4 of 5 from long distance. Boozer added 19 points and 13 rebounds. It was easily Deng's best game of the series. He had managed just 24 points in the previous three games combined. The Bulls will need both players to pick up where they left off in Game 5.
Chicago will also be looking for more out of starters C.J. Watson and Richard Hamilton. The duo combined for just 11 points on 5 of 19 shooting in Game 5. Chicago could get a lift on both sides of the ball if Joakim Noah is able to return from an ankle injury suffered in Game 3. Noah is one of Chicago's premier post defenders and also does a fine job on the offensive glass. He is listed as questionable for Game 6.
Oddsmakers expect another close game. Looking at the NBA lines, Philadelphia is favored by just 3-points over Chicago with the total set at 169.5 points. For the latest on this series go here.
Philadelphia
The 76ers didn't play well at all in Game 5. I don't know if they felt like they'd have no trouble beating Chicago at home in Game 6, but they didn't play with the intensity and motivation you need to finish off a series. This is a really young team that hasn't experienced of playoff success. For almost all of the series the pressure has been on Chicago, but it shifts to Philadelphia in Game 6. This is a huge game for the 76ers. I can't say I'm keen on the 76ers chances if this series returns to Chicago for a Game 7.
It was a collective struggle on the offensive end for the 76ers in Game 5. Philadelphia shot just 32% from the field and were held to just 26 points in the 1st half. Jrue Holliday had a team-high 16 points, but was only 5 of 17 from the field. Lou Williams and Andre Iguodala combined for just 24 points on 8 of 29 shooting. Spencer Hawes was held to just 11 points after finishing games 3 and 4 with 20+ points.
A lot of that has to do with how well the Bulls played defensively, but it isn't going to get any easier in Game 6. Somebody is going to have to step up and have a big game offensively for Philadelphia to advance.
Chicago
The Bulls weren't about to let Philadelphia end their season on their home floor. Chicago was outstanding on the defensive end and got just enough from the offense to force a Game 6. It was the first time that the Bulls were able to win a game in the series without Derrick Rose. It could very well be the turning point in the series. The Bulls could have easily won one of the 2 games in Philadelphia, and this team now has the confidence it has been needing since they lose their best player.
Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng played exceptionally well in Game 5. Deng scored a game-high 24 points on 10 of 19 shooting, including 4 of 5 from long distance. Boozer added 19 points and 13 rebounds. It was easily Deng's best game of the series. He had managed just 24 points in the previous three games combined. The Bulls will need both players to pick up where they left off in Game 5.
Chicago will also be looking for more out of starters C.J. Watson and Richard Hamilton. The duo combined for just 11 points on 5 of 19 shooting in Game 5. Chicago could get a lift on both sides of the ball if Joakim Noah is able to return from an ankle injury suffered in Game 3. Noah is one of Chicago's premier post defenders and also does a fine job on the offensive glass. He is listed as questionable for Game 6.
About the Author:
Need some help picking winners in the NBA? Go to Betfirms for a complete list of our NBA free picks or click here for our NBA premium picks from the top rated handicappers in the business.
No comments:
Post a Comment