Dallas Mavericks at Chicago Bulls
United Center – Chicago, Illinois
Saturday, April 21, 2012, 8:00 pm Eastern, TV: ESPN
Opening Line: Chicago -8
Current Line: Chicago -7
Opening Total:181 1/2
Current Total: 181
Opening Money Line: Bulls -415 / Mavericks +315
Current Money Line: Bulls -360 / Mavericks +280
The 47-16 Chicago Bulls, coached by Tom Thibodeau, have already clinched the Central Division title. They lead Miami by 1.5 games for the #1 seed in the East. Those two teams along with San Antonio and Oklahoma City make up a four horse race for the best record in the league. Both the Spurs and Thunder are a game or less behind the Bulls. Chicago has lost 2 of their last 3 games, including 83-72 at Miami Thursday. The Bulls could ahve clinched the #1 seed in the east with a win.The Bulls were without Derrick Rose in that game who was out with a foot injury. He has missed 26 games throughout the season with various injuries, and the Bulls are 17-9 in those games. He is doubtful today against Dallas.
The 36-28 Dallas Mavericks, coached by Rick Carlisle have already clinched a playoff spot and will either be the #6 or #7 seed in the West. The defending champions have won 2 straight games including 104-94 at home last night against Golden State.
This is the only scheduled meeting between Chicago and Dallas because of the lockout shortened schedule. Chicago swept the series last season.
Dallas is outscoring opponents 95-95 this season. Dallas is shooting 44.4% from the field and 34% from 3 point range. The Mavericks make 76.9% from the free throw line. Dallas averages 42.8 rebounds a game with a rebounding margin of -1.1. The Mavs average 21.1 assists, 14 turnovers, 8.6 steals, and 5.2 blocks a game. Dallas opponents are shooting 43.4% from the field and 33.4% from 3 point range. The Mavericks are in the top 11 in both categories. Dallas forces 14.8 turnovers a game.
Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki averages 21.7 points to lead the team, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Shooting guard Jason Terry averages 15.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals a game. Small forward Shawn Marion averages 10.8 points, 7.4 rebounds to lead the team, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals a game. Vince Carter averages 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists a game. Delonte West, Rodrigue Beaubois, Brandan Wright, and Jason Kidd also contribute to the scoring. Wright leads the Mavericks in blocks with 1.3 a game. Kidd leads the team in assists with 5.5 and steals with 1.7 a game. Carlisle is resting Kidd today so he won’t play against Chicago.
Chicago is outscoring opponents 96-89 this season. The Bulls are first in points allowed in the NBA. Chicago is shooting 45% from the field and 37.5% from 3 point range. The Bulls are #4 in three pointers. The Bulls make 72% of their free throws. Chicago leads the league in rebounding averaging 46.5 a game with a rebounding margin of +6.4. The Bulls average 22.9 assists, 14.1 turnovers, 7 steals, and 6 blocks a game. Chicago is 4th in the league in assists. Chicago opponents are shooting 42.3% from the field and 32.7% from 3 point range. The Bulls are in the top 5 in the league in all defensive categories. Chicago forces 13.4 turnovers a game.
Derrick Rose averages 22.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 7.9 assists a game. He leads the Bulls in scoring and assists. Rose has missed the last 3 games with the foot injury. Forward Luol Deng averages 15.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 steal a game. He returned from a rib injury Thursday night at Miami, and is probable tonight. Forward Carlos Boozer averages 15.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1 steal a game. Guard Richard Hamilton averages 11.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Back-up point guard C.J. Watson averages 10.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 4 assists a game. He has been starting in place of Rose and will do so again if Rose can’t go because of the foot. Joakim Noah averages 10.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks a game. Noah leads the Bulls in rebounds and blocks. Ronnie Brewer leads the Bulls in steals with 1.1 a game.
Chicago is 35-27-1 ATS and the total is 31-31-1 this season. Dallas is 32-32 ATS and the total is also 32-32 this season. Chicago is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 against Dallas, and the road team is 4-1 in the last 5. The Mavericks are 7-1-1 as a road underdog of 5-10.5 points, 5-2 after failing to cover, 20-9-1 as an underdog, 37-17-2 as a road underdog, 17-40-1 against Central division teams, 2-6 in Saturday games, and 1-6 after a straight up win. The Bulls are 5-1 ATS on 1 day rest, 37-14-2 after a straight up loss, 5-2 after a straight up loss of 10 points or more, 21-9-1 against Southwest Division teams, 9-4-1 after failing to cover, 3-8 in Saturday games, 1-3-1 as a favorite of 5-10.5 points, 1-4-1 as a home favorite of 5-10.5 points, and 0-4 against Western Conference teams.
For Dallas, I don’t think there is really a difference between the #6 seed or the #7 seed, If you are the 6 you get either the Lakers or Clippers in the first round, and if you are the 7 you get either the Spurs or Thunder. All are tough match-ups. This game means way more to Chicago though, as they are fighting for home court advantage. Chicago has played well this season without Rose, and they have had lots of practice. Chicago wins and covers at home.
