2012 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game #3
#1 Chicago Bulls at #8 Philadelphia 76ers
Best of Seven Series, Format 2-2-1-1-1
Series tied 1-1
Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Friday, May 4, 2012, 8:05 pm Eastern, TV: ESPN2
Opening Line: Philadelphia -1 1/2
Current Line: Philadelphia -1 1/2
Opening Total: 178 1/2
Current Total: 178
Opening Money Line: 76ers -125 / Bulls +105
Current Money Line: 76ers -120 / Bulls +100
After All-star guard Derrick Rose tore his ACL in the Chicago Bulls 103-91 game #1 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, many wondered how they would react in game #2. Well, the Bulls coached by Tom Thibodeau, took an 8 point lead at halftime. However, the 76ers, coached by Doug Collins stormed back in the second half and destroyed the Bulls 109-92. The Sixers outscored the Bulls 36-14 in the third. Chicago scored only 37 points in the second half . Now the series shifts to Philadelphia for game #3. Rose is out for the rest of the season, but he has missed 28 games this season. The Bulls were 18-10 in those games.
In the game#2 loss, Joakim Noah scored 21 points, and added 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Point guard John Lucas added 15 points off the bench. He and C.J. Watson replaced Rose. Watson scored 12 points. Richard Hamilton added 10 points. Chicago shot 45.2% from the field including 6-14 from 3 point range. The Bulls were 10-18 from the free throw line. Chicago had 8 fast break points and 32 points in the paint. The Bulls had 23 assists and 8 turnovers.
Philadelphia point guard Jrue Holliday led all scorers with 26 points and 6 assists. Lou Williams added 20 points and 6 assists off the bench. Evan Turner had 19 points, 7 rebounds, and six assists. Elton Brand had 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Andre Iguodala had 11 points in the win. He is probable with a strained Achilles’ tendon. The Sixers shot 59% from the field including 5-12 from 3 point range. The 76ers made 12 of 15 free throws. They outrebounded Chicago 38-32 despite the fact that Chicago led the league in rebounding during the regular season. Philadelphia had 23 assists and 7 turnovers.
Most of the things that Chicago did wrong in game #2 really had nothing to do with Rose being out of the line-up. If anything you would think they would have come out sluggish in the first half and adjusted in the second half. However, the opposite was true. Together Watson and Lucas had 27 points and 7 assists, which is about the production Rose would have given the Bulls. Chicago only had 8 turnovers, but Philadelphia still had 25 fast break points. Philadelphia also dominated in the paint with 52 points. Phildelphia had more rebounds mainly because the Bulls were so awful shooting in the second half. One thing is certain, Chicago had better wake up or they could be in trouble against an inferior Philadelphia team that really has no pressure since they already got a split in Chicago.
Philadelphia is 34-33-1 ATS this season and the total is 32-36 this season. Chicago is 39-28-1 ATS and the total is 33-34-1 this season. The over is 7-1-1 in the last 9 games in Philadelphia in this series, and 4-1 overall.
The Bulls are 9-2 ATS in Friday games, 4-1 after a double digit home loss, after a loss by 10 points or more, and overall, 3-1-1 after failing to cover, 20-7 as a road underdog of 4.5 points or less, 11-4 as a an underdog, 38-14-2 after a straight up loss, 19-7 after allowing 100 points or more, 38-15 as an underdog of 4.5 points or less, including 5-2 in playoff games, 5-2 against teams with winning records, 20-9 as a road underdog, 21-10 in road games, 1-4 in road games against teams with winning home records, and 0-4-1 on two days rest.
The 76ers are 4-1 ATS after scoring 100 points or more, 5-2 after a straight up win, overall, and against Eastern Conference teams, 18-38 at home against teams with winning road record, 4-9-2 as a playoff favorite, 7-20 against teams with winning records, 2-9 as a favorite of 4.5 points or less, including 0-5 at home.
I think Chicago will come out angry after being embarrassed in game #2. Even without Rose, Chicago certainly has the talent to win this series in 5 games. However, if they lose this game it will give the Sixers even more confidence. I think the bulls roll tonight and regain control of the series.
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