I should preface by saying I'm a big Bulls fan...

But I think the Bulls are getting a little bit overlooked right now. They seem to be 3-5 range in consensus "expert" predictions, but are pretty clearly No. 2 in Vegas (per a recent thread on this board).

I think their eight man rotation of Rose, Hinrich, Butler, Deng, Dunleavy, Boozer, Gibson, Noah is about as good as anyone's. And they will shut teams down defensively. Here's an interesting clip from Grantland's prediction thread...

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9860683/32-bold-predictions-2013-14-nba-season

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29. The Derrick Rose–Jimmy Butler–Luol Deng–Taj Gibson–Joakim Noah Lineup Will Hold Teams Below 90 Points Per 100 Possessions

I got the shakes just typing those names together. Perspective: The Pacers had the stingiest defense in the league last season, allowing 96.6 points per 100 possessions. The 6.6-point gap between Indy and the magical 90 mark is the equivalent to the space between Indy's no. 1–ranked outfit and Philly's 15th-ranked defense, per NBA.com.

Only eight lineups leaguewide last season logged at least 100 minutes and yielded fewer than 90 points per 100 possessions. Only three such lineups cracked 200 minutes: the Clippers' best bench group, the Spurs' starting lineup (how freaking scary is that!?), and the Memphis starters after the Gay trade. This Chicago group — so long, springy, and downright mean — has a great shot to slip under the 90 mark, even though it figures to see a lot of crunch-time action against opposing starters. I was tempted to call for a sub-85 figure, but that basically doesn't happen.

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Bold Prediction: If the core eight players listed above are healthy, the Bulls will beat Miami in the playoffs this year.

I think Miami (for good reason) will be favored, but I just like how a healthy Bulls team matches up. Butler and Deng can play Wade and Lebron as well as anyone. I guess the key is Rose stepping up and making the key baskets at the end. Regardless of who actually wins the series, I think it will generally be very low scoring with outcomes determined in the last few possessions.

Any merit to that? Or am I too homer?

I think every bull mentioned above will sit out at least 10 games to injury. I also think at least 1 of the bulls listed above will miss a third of the season. If they can withstand the injuries they for sure have a good chance.

[This message has been edited by Olrock (edited 10/25/2013 3:58p).]

Agreed. Just hoping they can all be healthy in May.

So far so good.

Is that Jimmy Buckets or Buggin' Out?

And I love Thibs, but unless he changes his coaching habits we will never be 100% healthy come playoff time.

Hmmmmm I kinda forgot how sneaky good Miami's role players are

Bulls are a great blue-collar hard nosed type team but can they score enough to win it all

Just like I said in my op, Miami is the clear favorite and I doubt anyone can beat them in a 7 game series

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Bulls are a great blue-collar hard nosed type team but can they score enough to win it all

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Hard to envision that happening right now. I know it's only one game, but this is ugly.

I know it's only one half of one game, but I already feel compelled to eat crow

Same ole bulls.

Bulls put themselves in a very tough spot getting Deng & Butler in early foul trouble. That cannot happen.

Get stuffed

Na I'm fine with the bulls

The bulls lulled me to sleep. Suddenly interesting 8 point game with a 90 seconds to go.

Just not sure about the Chicago bench. Gibson is solid but Dunleavy and Hinrich make it tough for Chicago ones Rose exits the game. Jimmy Butler is a stud though and the Bulls need to find a way to open up that offense some. A stretch 4 type of Player would be great to spread that offense a little. Just seems like Chicago plays so crowded and Noah is either horrible or great.

Derrick Rose's shot selection from last night (from ESPN).

Too many 3's. He is trying too hard in his first regular season game back. Rose needs to play to his strengths instead of trying to manufacture new ones.

The Bulls can be good enough on offense once Rosefigures it out again. Dunleavy was a sneaky good pickup and Hinrich needs to heal up. I'd predict them as a 1 seed in the East, but I think they wouwould lose in the playoffs to a smart/talented defensive team that can force them to score without Rose.

Why are you showing a clip of DRose getting tripped by Birdman?

Was going to say that he can't catch a break but that's even more bad luck to break something.

Welp. Maybe next season.

Good source tells me #Bulls fear it's a torn right ACL for Derrick Rose. If so, unlikely he will ever be the same.
12:03 AM - 23 Nov 2013

Time for David Stern to fix the lottery one more time so we can get Jabari Parker.

Thats what he get for being a giant puss and not coming back for the playoffs last year. You don't miss out on playoff chances.

http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/derrick-rose-injury-update-11232013.html

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Subsequent examinations and an MRI confirmed a medial meniscus tear to his right knee, which will require surgery. Rose is out indefinitely, and will not accompany the team on the rest of its current road trip.

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http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/mobileart.asp?articlekey=103662&page=9

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Elite athletes return to practice within one to two weeks after surgery, but they are a motivated group of people who spend hours each day in rehabilitation.

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[This message has been edited by ganondorf (edited 11/23/2013 4:43p).]