(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks
Inside the Series
Season Series: CHI (2-1)
Scoring Leaders: Derrick Rose (CHI): 25.1 PPG
Joe Johnson (ATL): 18.5 PPG
Assist Leaders: Derrick Rose (CHI): 7.8 APG
Joe Johnson (ATL) 4.7 APG
Rebounding Leaders: Joakim Noah (CHI): 10.4 RPG
Al Horford (ATL): 9.4 RPG
Key Players
Chicago: F Carlos Boozer
Every great championship team has had at least two superstars. Chicago has Derrick Rose but they're still waiting on Carlos Boozer. There is no doubt that Boozer has turned out to be a beneficial signing, but he really hasn't stepped up his game since leaving Utah for the Windy City. If Chicago wants a shot at a ring they must get much more production from their power foward.
Atlanta: G Jamal Crawford
They are only a few players in the NBA that are more clutch than Atlanta's Jamal Crawford. He has always hit big shot after big shot, always giving his team a chance to win with the ball in his hands. Not only does he have to continue his valuable play, but he has to give coach Larry Drew more quality minutes with fellow guard Kirk Hinrich injured. Listed as day-to-day with a strained right hamstring, Hinrich will have to be replaced by Crawford for at least Game 1.
Key Matchup
Joakim Noah vs. Al Horford
The battle between these two long Centers will be the crucial matchup of this series. Al Horford will challenge Joakim Noah's toughness and should make for a physical fight in the post. These two are evenly matched and are perhaps the two most comparable players in the playoffs.
Prediction
Game 1: Atlanta 88, Chicago 92
Game 2: Atlanta 91, Chicago 102
Game 3: Chicago 84, Atlanta 100
Game 4: Chicago 105, Atlanta 108
Game 5: Atlanta 96, Chicago 97
Game 6: Chicago 103, Atlanta 90
Chicago wins 4-2
The Hawks have finally broke through the first round and sent Orlando packing despite last year's debacle. But Chicago is still better and are much tougher. Tom Thibodeau's tenacious defense will frustrate Atlanta's sub par offense and take the series in six games.
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