Miami game night
Bulls (0-0) at Miami (0-0) 6:30 a.m. CT.
Radio: 670 The score: Chuck Swirsky, Bill Wennington, Alyssa Bergamini. 6:15 CT before.
TV: NBCSC: Adam Amin and Stacey King. 6:30 CT.
ICC OVERVIEW
The Bulls open the season 22-23 with three games in four nights as they face a Miami team chosen by many to finish in the top five in the Eastern Conference.
The Heat went to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals only to fall to Boston despite Jimmy Butler’s monster game. Miami lost PJ Tucker to Philadelphia in the offseason and there’s no doubt the Heat will miss Tucker’s physique and defensive prowess. However the Heat still bring the defensive tenacity anchored by Butler and Bam Adebayo.
The Bulls’ season is all about health, consistency, ball movement and defense. Lonzo Ball is in indefinite rehabilitation after knee surgery. Ayo Dosunmu will get the starting assignment and many people like me predict that Dosunmu’s off-season work will take him to the next level this season. We know what Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic can do. The question is the position of the power attacker. Javote Green is an energetic player who just makes things happen. Although undersized, Green is playing much bigger than his 6-4 stature. patrick williams is the “X” factor for the Bulls. Williams is an athletic and gifted player with a lot of potential. For the Bulls to have a strong season, Williams needs to deliver at both ends of the court. Williams will start tonight.
DeRozan carried a heavy burden last season averaging almost 28 points per game. Can he replicate those stats this year? Absolutely. However, if the Bulls push the ball on the floor leading to transition baskets, it will reduce the pressure on DeRozan and LaVine to score 23-26 points respectively each night. LaVine is listed as questionable for tonight’s game with left knee management.
The addition of André Drummond should help the Bulls on the glass and his mere presence in the post will boost the scoring and the rebound inside the post. Goran Dragic provides a smart and shrewd scoreboard.
It’s a great season for Coby White. He is very game-changing, especially when he drains the long ball. He has to be consistent with his shot. Dalen Terry has been impressive in pre-season and I can’t wait to see how head coach Billy Donovan takes him. I love his drive, his enthusiasm, his passing, his transition style and his love of the game.
NBA injury report
- Zach LaVine: Questionable. Left knee; Injury management.
- Alex Caruso: Likely; Left calf contusion.
- Miami Victor Oladipo: Out; Left knee.
- Omer Yurtseven: Outside; Left ankle.
CCI 24 SECONDS NBA NEWS AND NOTES
Boston 126, Philadelphia 117. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 35 points as the Celtics tore Philly apart. Boston’s interim coach Joe Mazzulla picked up his first victory.
Golden State 123, Los Angeles Lakers 109. Stephen Curry had a fabulous opening night with 33 points, seven assists and six rebounds. LeBron James had an impressive line of 31-14-8.
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All bulls. 365. 24-7. Always a pleasure.
