TEAM LEADERS | |||
Points | Rebounds | Assists | |
SPURS | Manu Ginobili 21.3 | Tim Duncan 8.9 | Tony Parker 7.7 |
BULLS | Derrick Rose 24.7 | Joakim Noah 12.8 | Derrick Rose 9.2 |
The Bulls (6-3) started off their seven game road trip with 95-92 hard fought win over the Houston Rockets and are riding high on four game winning streak.
Tim Duncan has been struggling on offense lately and the Spurs will need a good effort from him to get the win. While the Bulls will lean heavily on Derrick Rose, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah on the offensive end. This will also mark the first time Keith Bogans will play against his former team.
KEYS TO THE GAME
SPURS:
Defense — It will be key for the Spurs to try to limit Rose on offense. In their recent win over Houston, Rose scored 17 of his 33 points in the final period and they have to be wary on Bull’s outside shooting too. In their last game, the Bulls hit 8-12 of their shots from the three-point line.
BULLS:
Offense — Their offense starts with Rose and Deng. Also, Noah, Taj Gibson and Kyle Korver helping out on the scoring department.
Defense — It will be key for them to limit the Spurs’ inside game and dribble penetrations, but they also have to be wary of the Spurs’ outside shooting. The Spurs are making 44.0% of their shots from behind the arc — currently best in the NBA.
INJURIES
Spurs — James Anderson – stress fracture (out)
Bulls — Kyle Korver – knee (day-to-day), Carlos Boozer – hand (out)