Easter Basketball: Bulls vs. Knicks Preview
Search for Sports Apps! Despite injuries to some of their top players, the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks both continue to win. However, the Bulls might not have to go without the league’s MVP for much longer, if at all.
The Bulls are hopeful Derrick Rose will return after missing nearly a month. Rose practiced with the teams on Saturday and declared himself ready to return after missing the last 12 games with a groin injury.
The leagues most likely Coach of the Year, again, Tom Thibodeau is still calling his star a game-time decision, so it remains uncertain if Rose will take the court.
Proving themselves as the deepest team in the NBA, the Bulls are 15-7 on the season without Rose and 8-4 during the latest stretch.
The Knicks return to New York after winning 96-80 in Orlando on Thursday to move to 4-2 since losing Amare Stoudemire to a back injury and Jeremy Lin to knee surgery. While Stoudemire could be back in another week, Lin is likely done for the season.
New York has won 10 of 13 since coach Mike Woodson took over for Mike D’Antoni, whose tenure ended with a six-game losing streak. Defense has been the key to its recent success. The Knicks are allowing an average of 83.3 points in their last 10 victories, compared to 107.2 in the past nine defeats. On Thursday, New York held Dwight Howard to eight points and the Magic to 36 after halftime.
Carmelo Anthony has stepped up in the wake of the injuries to Stoudemire and Lin, averaging 27.7 points on 48.3 percent shooting in the last six games. The five-time All-Star averaged 14.0 points on 39.4 percent shooting in the previous seven.
While the Knicks have picked up their defensive intensity, the Bulls have been known for their defense all season under Thibodeau. They allow an average of 88.8 points to rank second in the league and are 29-0 when limiting teams to 91 or less.
Luol Deng may be Chicago’s best defensive player. He tied a season high with four steals Thursday – and he’s carried the offense lately with at least 20 points in four of his last five games. The Bulls are 16-3 when he scores at least 20.
Deng sat out Chicago’s last game against the Knicks on March 12, a 104-99 victory, because of a sprained wrist. Rose led the way with 32 points, seven assists and six rebounds, but hasn’t played since. It should be a real Easter treat to watch them play together again.
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