Buying half point.
Action play:
Chicago Bulls +9
Cannot pass up the opportunity to play a home dog with a number this high, especially considering the injury situations of both teams. Cavs banged up and Bulls finally close to full strength. With Hinrich and Deng back in the lineup, the Bulls bench becomes deeper, which, imo, is critical for a team that lacks "star" power, which the Bulls clearly do. Derrick Rose, will also certainly benefit from Hinrich's presence on the floor, as he will be relieved of some of his ball-handling responsibilities and get a chance to attack the rim more, something which he has already proven he can be very effective with. Ilgauskas's absence is also big in this one, considering the Bulls struggle to defend the post/paint, against effective big men. Between Aaron Gray and Noah, I thing the Bulls manage to contain Varejao, and prevent him from having another 26 point performance, as he did in the last matchup. Also, seriously doubt, we see the offensively challenged, Ben Wallace, go 6-11 from the field again. Bulls hoping to build off of an impressive road win against the Raptors, where, imo, we saw them play the best basketball they have played all year long, on both sides of the ball. Heading back home, where throughout the season, they have played much better basketball, the Bulls play a Cavs team, who has not been as impressive on the road as they have been at home, (1-2 since Xmas). In what is a division game, with more on the line than what meets the eye, I think the Bulls play the Cavs tough at home, in hopes of avoiding the 4-0 series sweep on the year. So, I'll take the points.
Possibly be back with another play, and will be around to talk bball and spreads for anyone interested.
GL as always!
Z
