First round playoff preview: Chicago Bulls v. Indiana Pacers, or There Won’t Be Blood

Photo by Marissa Oberlander

Looking back at the regular season, Chicago won three of its four games against Indiana, a team that hasn’t made the “contender” list on many power polls. Indiana only came out on top after head coach Jim O’Brien was fired and replaced by the more capable assistant coach Frank Vogel for the remainder of the season. Also, the Pacers victory was eked out in overtime while the Bulls won their games by 13, 19 and 21 points. Let’s look at the starting lineup match-ups:

Point Guard: Derrick Rose v. Darren Collison

Though stat geeks have built a strong case opposing the “Derrick Rose for MVP” freight train, those favoring the eye test over analytics don’t think his candidacy is worth much debate. Collison did have a solid sophomore season, but don’t look for him to slow Rose down more than anyone else.

Shooting Guard: Keith Bogans v. Paul George

Though coach Thibs has been defending his decision for Keith Bogans to be part of the Bulls starting lineup since last year, the maligned shooting guard plays fewer minutes than any Bulls rotation player besides Omer Asik and CJ Watson. The Pacers’ Paul George has been a pleasant surprise as a rookie, but this match-up is likely to have the least impact on the outcome of the series.

Small Forward: Luol Deng v. Danny Granger

Luol Deng has been revitalized by Coach Thibs and his improved three-point shooting has been a critical part of the Bulls offense. But his defense has been even more impressive, gaining individual recognition on a defensive powerhouse that is typically credited only as a unit. Much of Indiana’s success hinges on Granger, whose decrease in scoring was offset by an increase in health this season, appearing in more than 67 games for the first time in three years. Deng has won their head to head battles this season however and that should continue here.

Power Forward: Carlos Boozer v. Tyler Hansbrough

Tyler Hansbrough may have benefited the most from the Pacers in-season coaching change, as he more than doubled his scoring average under Frank Vogel. Carlos Boozer has significant playoff experience and will look to take some of the scoring load off Derrick Rose in the first round with the anticipation of more difficult series to come.

Center: Joakim Noah v. Roy Hibbert

Joakim Noah looked unhindered by his right ankle sprain in the season finale, and should be able to use his athleticism and often grating enthusiasm to contain the much improved, but still inconsistent, Roy Hibbert.

The Bench

The Bulls don’t have a specific bench player who will be in the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year, but a discussion of the award identified the Bulls second unit (aka The Bench Mob) as one of the league’s strongest, specifically on the defensive side. Look for this group to completely shut down Indiana’s reserves and even their starters as they often see time early in fourth quarter against opposing starting units.

Coach: Tom Thibodeau v. Frank Vogel

Both rookies, Thibodeau is a favorite for Coach of the Year, tying Paul Westphal and Bill Russell for the most victories by a rookie head coach. Vogel is an “interim” coach who is unlikely to lose the interim tag. Dunzo.

The Pacers 37 win record would put them 12^th in the West and is one of the poorest playoff records in recent NBA history. Also, they don’t have the The White Mamba.

Prediction: Bulls in five.