Wed, Jan 16th, Bulls @ Heat, Predictions & Comments

Bulls-Heat Preview
By DAN PIERINGER, STATS Writer
Posted Jan 16 2008 12:18AM

The Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat entered this season as Eastern Conference title contenders. Instead, they're finding their seasons slipping away.

[...]

In 2006-07, the Bulls won 49 games for their highest total since 1997-98 - Michael Jordan's final season with Chicago. Miami, meanwhile, overcame numerous injuries to finish at 44-38. The Bulls swept the Heat in the first round of the playoffs before bowing out in the second round against Detroit.

With the Bulls having gained valuable experience and the Heat hoping to avoid another injury-plagued season, each club had hopes for a longer playoff run in 2007-08. Chicago (14-22), however, has floundered, ranking near the bottom of the league in scoring (93.8) and field-goal percentage (41.8).

Their early struggles led to the firing of coach Scott Skiles on Dec. 24. They're 5-5 under interim Jim Boylan, but are still tied with Milwaukee at the bottom of the Central Division.

Meanwhile, the Heat (8-28) have been unable to overcome the early absence of Dwyane Wade and the more recent one of O'Neal, who hasn't played since Dec. 26 because of a hip injury.

[...]

The Bulls were without point guard Kirk Hinrich, who missed the game with back spasms. They also lost reserve forward Andres Nocioni in the third quarter because of a hip bruise. Both are day-to-day.

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