NBA
Write-Up
Monday, May 2
Under is 14-7 in Eastern games so far, 13-8 in Western games; favorites are 9-13-1 vs spread out west, 6-13-2 in the East.
Chicago won 18 more games than Hawks during season; Rose/Boozer are both banged up for Bulls, who had more time to prepare for this than the Hawks did. Atlanta beat Orlando in six games, with three of the wins by 4 points or less; Hawks will miss PG Hinrich (hamstring) who might be out the entire series. Bulls whacked Indiana in five games, winning home games by 5-6-27 points. First games of series are easiest ones for visitor to steal. Wake Forest alum Teague will get chance to contain Rose.
Dallas-Lakers both finished 57-25; this game would be in Dallas had the Sacramento Kings not blown season finale vs Lakers when it had game won; this is first playoff meeting in 23 years between these two. Lakers won two of three vs Dallas this season. LA dispatched Hornets in last two games, by 16-18 points, after series was 2-2- they won two of three at home in series. Dallas won Games 5-6 over Portland by 11-7 points after blowing huge lead in game at Portland.