PISTONS AND BULLS CLASH AGAIN
Since 80s...
It appeared it would be impossible to happen but the Bulls recovered from almost every injury and, despite still not having Lauri Markkanen available, found their way into postseason once again, the 8th time in 9 years, posting a 46-36 record.
And, by finishing the regular season as the 6th seed for the East, they are now set to face the new-looking Detroit Pistons, led by arguably the best general manager in CSL’s history, Jon.
There have been many clashes featuring these franchises and those two GMs, most of them won by Detroit, but one which ended up specially well for the Bulls as they beat then Kemba-led Pistons 4-3 at the ECF on their way to their first and only CSL ring.
Both teams looked completely different at that time, and having performed multiple roster makeovers, Detroit and Chicago looks younger and less prepared to compete for a ring. But even though both might now have a chance at the biggest prize, the expectation is for a great series to happen nevertheless, as both teams want to impress their fans and prove they belong among league’s best squads.
So, let’s take a look and compare both teams head to head, in a preview of one of the most anticipated series in this year’s postseason!
PG: Denzel Livingston (DET) x (CHI) Cameron Payne
The lead guard matchup is an interesting one. Livingston is the catalyst to a very solid offense who spreads out points per game and has several good scoring weapons, although none of them topped 18 points per contest. Payne, on the other hand, is known for his all around style and has no weaknesses in his game, although there aren’t well defined strengths either. A really tough call, but Payne being a better two-way player offsets Livingston’s exceptional playmaking by a tiny margin.
Offense - 3.0 (DET) / (CHI) 3.5
Defense: 3.5 (DET) / (CHI) 4.0
Playmaking: 4.5 (DET) / (CHI) 3.5
Advantage - Bulls
The markee matchup of the series right above.
SG: Jamaal Murray (DET) x (CHI) Damian Lillard
Both teams’ top scoring options will face off at shooting guard. Jamaal Murray may be young but proved himself a reliable contributor once Terry Rozier left town, and Damian Lillard is a well recognized All Star with potential to win games single-handed with his scoring. Both are also excellent playmakers for their position, with Dame being better at that area, and are not good enough when it comes to guarding their man, although they can rack up steals on pressure systems, and Murray is the better defensive option. Another close matchup but Lillard being an All Star and the guy you could count most when it comes to deciding a game in favor of any of the teams, he gets the nod here.
Offense - 4.0 (DET) / (CHI) 4.5
Defense: 3.0 (DET) / (CHI) 2.5
Playmaking: 3.5 (DET) / (CHI) 4.0
Advantage - Bulls
SF: Jordan Adams (DET) x (CHI) Jae Crowder
Adams is Detroit’s defensive coordinator. He does everything so well on that side of the ball it’s easy to forget he can get you points on the other end too. Crowder, like Adams, is Chicago’s top defensive option as well. On top, he’s an excellent shooter and solid playmaker for a wing, turning him into the prototype 3&D player.
Crowder’s better offensive game, along with defensive abilities on par with each other, earns him the advantage on this one.
Offense - 3.0 (DET) / (CHI) 3.5
Defense: 4.5 (DET) / (CHI) 4.5
Playmaking: 2.0 (DET) / (CHI) 3.0
Advantage - Bulls
PF: Brendan Dawson (DET) x Clint Capela (CHI)
Like Adams, Dawson starts for Detroit mainly for defensive reasons. Capela, on the other hand, is an imposing offensive big and one of the very best in the entire league at drawing fouls. This matchup is not only about talent but also going big versus small. Dawson’s the better rebounder of the two as well and can put the ball on the floor against more traditional fours, but Capela’s solid defense plays a big part when it comes to pointing the best player in this matchup.
Offense - 2.5 (DET) / (CHI) 3.5
Defense: 3.5 (DET) / (CHI) 3.0
Rebounding: 3.5 (DET) / (CHI) 3.5
Advantage - Bulls
Former teammates face off against each other on this series.
C: Julius Randle (DET) x (CHI) Willie Cayley-Stein
Even though Cauley-Stein is a fantastic defensive presence and amazing rim protector, Randle’s rebounding advantage gives him a huge edge in this matchup. Randle should give Cayley-Stein a lot of trouble on offense and should be able to collect lots of second chance points for the Pistons without being bothered on the other side.
Offense - 4.0 (DET) / (CHI) 2.0
Defense: 2.0 (DET) / (CHI) 4.5
Rebounding: 4.5 (DET) / (CHI) 3.0
Advantage - Pistons
6th: Nik Stauskas (DET) x Justin Holiday (CHI)
A terrific defender and shot blocker for his position going off against one of the best marksman in the league. Not much to say except that, while doing completely opposite things, both are key players to their squads and should be deciding factors in this series.
Offense - 3.5 (DET) / (CHI) 3.0
Defense: 2.5 (DET) / (CHI) 4.0
Playmaking: 2.5 (DET) / (CHI) 2.0
Advantage - None
Bench: Adebayo, Pope, Arcidiacono (DET) x Allen, Hollis-Jefferson, Trice (CHI)
One could (and is correct, by the way) argue that Bam is the best player among those 6 and his offensive rebounding could be game changing. The rest probably favors the Bulls with their two perimeter guys being better defensively than Detroit’s ones, but in the playoffs you are looking for players who can change a series and that’s Adebayo out of those 6.
Offense - 3.0 (DET) / (CHI) 2.5
Defense: 3.0 (DET) / (CHI) 3.5
Playmaking: 3.5 (DET) / (CHI) 3.0
Rebounding: 3.5 (DET) / (CHI) 3.0
Advantage - Pistons
Who's going to emerge winner after 7 (or 4, who knows) games?
So overall Chicago has an advantage on the perimeter, while Detroit will try to work inside to reach their wins.
In a super tight series like that, home court becomes even more important, and the Pistons are the early favorites to emerge winners, but Chicago has as much chance as any other underdog could of advancing. Tactics and rotations will ultimately determine who’s going to limit opponent’s strengths and advance to the second round of the Eastern Conference, where Boston or Cleveland will be waiting.
Good luck Jon! May the best team win!
Leave your prediction below!
