Each night, the Clarion will choose the top game on the NBA calendar and select a winner. Keep checking out our pick every day, and let us know what you think in our comment section below.
Chicago Bulls (2-2) at Cleveland Cavaliers (3-2), 8:00 p.m. TNT
Comparing the NBA’s Eastern and Western Conferences is like comparing apples and oranges. The Western Conference is fast paced; get up-and-down the court, while the Eastern Conference is a slow-it-down, grind-it-out type of basketball.
This game will be the epitome of what the east is all about.
Last year’s rookie of the year, Bulls guard Derrick Rose, has gotten off to a slow start after missing most of the preseason with an ankle injury. In four games this season, Rose is averaging 11.8 points per game and 4.8 assists while only shooting 40 percent from the field. But, the good news for the Bulls is forward Luol Deng is back to his old self after struggling much of last year. Deng had a 24-point, 20-rebound game two nights ago in a win against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Cavs have won three in a row after dropping their first two, and much of that can be attributed to the return of guard Delonte West. West, the teams best on ball defender, has had legal problems the past few months that have caused him to float in-and-out of the lineup. LeBron James has been doing his usual MVP thing this year, but Shaq has yet to find his groove, only averaging 11.4 points per game in the young season.
As for the game, I expect a lot of fouls, a lot of free throw attempts and a bunch of clear outs for LeBron James and Derrick Rose. What else would you expect? It’s the Eastern Conference.
Cavaliers 91, Bulls 82