When
Date: March 24, 2009
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Records
Detroit: 34-35
Chicago: 33-38
Probable starters
Detroit:
Rodney
StuckeyArron
AfflaloTayshaun
PrinceJason
MaxiellAntonio
McDyess
Chicago:
Derrick
RoseBen
GordonJohn
SalmonsTyrus
ThomasJoakim
Noah
Las Vegas projection
Spread: Detroit +4.5
Over/under: 188.5
Score: Chicago wins 97-92
Statistical projection
Detroit offensive rating: 107.2 (19th)
Detroit defensive rating: 107.7 (14th)
Detroit pace: 86.8 (29th)
Chicago offensive rating: 107.4 (18th)
Chicago defensive rating: 108.5 (17th)
Chicago pace: 93.2 (9th)
Score: Tie 95-95
Outlook
Richard Hamilton is still out, and Derrick Rose might be, too, according to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press. Rose is a game-time decision with a right wrist contusion.
The Bulls have won seven of eight at home. They hold the East’s eighth seed and have a favorable schedule down the stretch. So there’s a chance they could catch Detroit, which is two games ahead of Chicago in the seventh spot.
John Salmons has scored 23.3 point per game since becoming a starter for the Bulls. But he’s the type of player Tayshaun Prince often excels at defending.
Rose’s health might be the difference maker tonight.