Preview: Detroit Pistons Vs. Chicago Bulls
Mar 31, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Pistons center Greg Monroe (10) controls the ball as he is defended by Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson (22) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The Pistons hit the halfway mark of their Preseason schedule as they head to the Windy City to face off against long time division rival the Chicago Bulls at the place they call the Mad House on Madison. Detroit (2-1) comes off an impressive performance from their role players to take out the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclay Center. While at the other end of the spectrum, the Bulls (3-0) are coming off a close victory against the Wizards of Washington.
Preview:
Both teams have been battling injury issues throughout the preseason, but things may be looking brighter for just one of the two. Chicago expects to see Derrick Rose and center Joakim Noah in the lineup on Wednesday after participating in full practices Monday and Tuesday, the Bulls report.
Meanwhile in Detroit, the Pistons’ injury issues are adding up. Rodney Stuckey, who hopes to be ready opening night versus Washington, will sit out Wednesday as expected due to a fractured finger tip in his right thumb. Keith Langlois of Pistons.com also broke news about the latest Piston injury. Starting point guard Brandon Jennings is expected to miss three weeks of action (a few regular season games) due to a hairline fracture in his jaw and an impacted wisdom tooth.
And the injuries do not stop there, small forward Luigi Datome has still not been cleared to play Wednesday against the Bulls as he continues to sit with a hamstring injury.
Peyton Siva, who missed the first two preseason games, and made his debut in Brooklyn on Saturday, is expected to play Wednesday as he participated in practice Tuesday, and felt “OK” after Saturday’s contest. Says he is still not 100%.
The Bulls pulled out a win against the Wizards without their two biggest stars, and will try to improve to a perfect 4-0 against the Pistons in Chicago. The Bulls will face a new look lineup featuring a much larger frontline, not something the Bulls are use to seeing from Piston teams of recent. Josh Smith, Greg Monroe, and Andre Drummond will most likely be matched up against Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer, and Joakim Noah, in what should be a defense-first game, first one to 85 wins!
Andre Drummond will try to improve upon his stellar preseason in Chicago, as he goes against one of the top Centers the NBA has to offer in Joakim Noah. Drummond is averaging 18.3 points per game, 8.7 boards, and almost 2 blocks a game in about 25 minutes a game. Not to mention Andre’s 75% (9/12) free throw shooting this preseason.
Chauncey Billups is expected to be dressed and in action against the Bulls, after sitting games two and three of the preseason thus far. Do not expect any major minutes for Mr. Big Shot even with the depleted backcourt. Around 20-22 minuets for Chauncey is to be expected. Will Bynum and Peyton Siva will most likely do the majority of the PG work for the rest of the preseason.
BROADCAST:
– Television: CSN-Chicago (Chicago)
– Radio: WXYT 1270 AM (Detroit)
PROJECTIONS:
– Starters
Detroit Pistons:
HC: Mo Cheeks
PG: Will Bynum
SG: Kyle Singler
SF: Josh Smith
PF: Greg Monroe
C: Andre Drummond
Chicago Bulls:
HC: Tom Thibodeau
PG: Derrick Rose
SG: Jimmy Butler
SF: Luol Deng
PF: Carlos Boozer
C: Joakim Noah
INJURY UPDATE:
Detroit Pistons:
– Brandon Jennings: OUT (Jaw)
– Rodney Stuckey: OUT (Thumb)
– Luigi Datome: DOUBTFUL (Hamstring)
– Chauncey Billups: PROBABLE (Rest)
Chicago Bulls:
– Derrick Rose: PROBABLE (Knee)
PREDICTION: 92-84 CHICAGO
– The Bulls are one of, if not the best defensive teams in the NBA with one of the best minds in coach Thibs. With the insertion of Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, I expect to see an energized Bulls team out of the gates in front of their home fans. Like I said earlier, first one to 85 wins. Defense will be front and center in Chicago in an exciting preseason division matchup.
Check back here for all of the post game highlights between the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons.