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(photo credit: hardwoodhoudini.com) |
The
battle between maybe the two most storied franchises in the history of the NBA
should provide a fair mount of intrigue. One vs. eight matchups have been
traditionally been blowouts, especially in recent seasons. However, this
matchup is not as open and shut as recent matchups.
Three
of the four games this season between Boston and Chicago were decided by seven
points or fewer, with the Bulls winning both of their home games verse the
Celtics. Taj Gibson and Robin Lopez bode well for Chicago having success inside
and on the boards, while Rondo, Wade and Butler are all experienced ball
handlers that can take over a game in unique ways.
The
biggest obstacle for the Bulls will be stopping Thomas, who is having a career
year. In a season that has showcased some of the most ridiculous numbers of
most of our lifetimes, and performances that will be etched in the record
books, Thomas has still garnered some MVP buzz for his 4th quarter
pizazz and leading Boston to the top seed in the East.
According
to ESPN BPI, Boston has a 72 percent chance to win the series, which is
surprisingly just five percent higher than the fourth seeded Wizards to win
their first round matchup. However, because of Thomas and head coach Brad
Stevens, our prediction is that Boston will prevail in five games, but expect
five close games.