Game Preview: Detroit at Chicago

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.