Like many of cinema’s greatest moments, the NBA Playoffs are better when ad-libbing than when sticking to the script at hand. If all had gone according to plan, Westbrook would be gearing up to make mincemeat out of Mike Conley, Nate “I’m On Fire Like NBA Jam” Robinson wouldn’t have poured in 23 points in the 4th quarter on a Thibodeau-coached team, and Kobe would be breaking ankles instead of nursing one.
Now that the second round is around the corner, more unscripted greatness is on its way. But before the first tip-off gets underway, SJN wants to give you a hand in the outlook department.
To help you navigate through the four second-round scenarios, we’ll be breaking down all of the matchups for you―offering lineups, schedules, and predictions.
Eastern Conference:
Miami Heat (1) vs. Chicago Bulls (5)
Schedule:
Game 1 – Mon May 6, Chicago at Miami, 7:00 p.m., TNT
Game 2 – Wed May 8, Chicago at Miami, 7:00p.m., TNT
Game 3 – Fri May 10, Miami at Chicago, 8:00 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 – Mon May 13, Miami at Chicago, 7:00 p.m., TNT
Game 5 – Wed May 15, Chicago at Miami, TNT, Time (TBD)
Game 6 – Fri May 17, Miami at Chicago, ESPN, Time (TBD)
Game 7 – Sun May 19, Chicago at Miami, TNT, Time (TBD)
The 2011 Eastern Conference Finals might have been the most competitive and “close” 4-1 rout the league has seen in decades. Some airtight defense, miraculous offense (what else can you expect from a Wade and LeBron double-punch?), and a one-dimensional Bulls attack, allowed for Miami to accomplish in five games what should have taken seven.
This dynamo rematch will be no different. Even if a deteriorating Bulls team has a hard time keeping up with Miami’s surgical offense, headed by LeBron’s brunt work, they’re going to bog down Miami’s title run to points of deep frustration. Chicago’s deflation of the bubble Miami was riding in their 27-game win streak revealed a chink in the Heat’s armor. Though LeBron will make you pay if you taunt him, he can grow frustrated if poked and prodded within the rules set forth by officiating. (Whatever those may be on a given night). As he’s done all season, LeBron has played some efficient—even for a cyborg—basketball in four regular season games against the Bulls. He shot about 64% from the field, had a strong 28.0 PPG, and posted his usual 8.0 RPG, 4.5 APG stat-padders. But a few stats signal good news for Chicago.
Throughout the regular season, the Bulls did the best job of limiting LeBron’s field-goal attempts, keeping them to 14.5 per. They were also able to force some of his worst three-point shooting for the season, hurting his output for seven percentage points (at 33.3%) from his studded 2012-13 average (40.6%). As an exceptional facilitator, James would be expected to relay some offense over to teammates if shooting poorly from afar and being limited in shooting attempts, but that hasn’t been the case.
His 4.5 APG against the Bulls accounts for only 60% of his season’s offensive altruism. As evidenced by his regular season shot chart, and that from the Bucks series, the Bulls must absolutely contain the right side of the court in a desperate attempt to keep LeBron in his discomfort zone. Michael Jordan has said as much. What makes that so difficult is LeBron’s brute strength and Miami’s record-hot sharpshooters, but if Noah can patrol the inner paint area, and the rest of the Bulls workmen can close out shooters, Chicago has a sliver of a chance. I’d say about 5%.
Their success would only augment if Wade remains limited because of a knee injury. Of course, it’s also not like the Bulls are in tip-top condition themselves. It’s still a big question mark whether Deng or Hinrich will be able to play in Game 1. Though depleted, the Bulls will make this an interesting series, but not a winnable one.
Outcome:
Miami Heat 4-1 Chicago Bulls
