This is where the Bulls can really punish the Heat with their overwhelming size and rebounding. The Bulls have a plethora of active bigs who can take advantage of the small ball the Heat like to play. Even if Joakim Noah doesn't play because of injury, Carlos Boozer, Taj Gibson, Nazr Mohammed and Erik Murphy have enough size to bang with the Heat.
These are two of the best defenses in the league. Coach Tom Thibodeau always has his Bulls prepared against any attack. The Heat present a challenge because they like to get out and run with their athletic wing players. The Bulls have to be razor sharp on defense to stop them from running fast breaks.
This is easier said than done. Nobody can stop Lebron James from attacking the basket. The Bulls will throw a couple of players on him to give him different looks. Jimmy Butler and Luol Deng will try their best to contain the MVP.
Rose has to be at his best for the Bulls to have a chance against the Heat. He will be excited for his regular season game in 19 months. He wants to prove that he is still a top player in this league. He should not force anything and let the game come to him. Rose is at his best when he's attacking, and the Heat have no one to stop him.
The Bulls bench will be a key factor all season. The new "bench mob" will have to outplay the Heat's bench to come away with a victory. The Bulls have a mix of veterans and rookies on their bench who Thibs is not shy on using.
Get our content customized for you directly to your inbox!
