Preview: Bulls at Kings
by Tom Ziller on Nov 17, 2009 12:00 PM PST
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Print" HAHA! And then the Hamburglar was like, 'Whatchu talkin' 'bout Willis?' HA HA HA HA HA HA! Oh my god, it was hilarious. ... You had to be there."
THE OPPONENT
The Bulls are doing it wrong. Whereas the Kings thrive on offense and pull through (sorta) on defense, Chicago does the opposite: good boring defense, bad boring offense. That is not the way to win hearts and minds! Ask San Antonio! Ask Detroit!
Joakim Noah, Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich deserve the defensive credit. Noah is second in the league in total rebound rate, and eighth in blocks per game. Deng is averaging 18/9 as a combo forward, and playing the stout man defense he is reputed for. Hinrich is a gnat, as you well know. I have no idea how John Salmons's defense has been, but I do know that it was wildly overrated in Sacramento, and I know that Salmons is still trying to find his offense. (His True Shooting is 41.3 percent. Seriously.)
Still, the Bulls are 5-4, just like the Kings. The team's only road win happened to come in Cleveland, which tends to count for a lot. The other road games have been losses in Boston, Miami and Toronto. This will be the first game of the Bulls' annual circus road trip, which stinks, because theoretically you'd like to catch them at the end, when they have tired mind and cold brain stems. I have a feeling their brain stems might be warmish to steamy. As it were, this is probably the "easiest" stop on the tour (which also visits the Lakers, Nuggets, Blazers, Bucks and Jazz), and as such could either be Vinny Del Negro's Alamo or his Waterloo. Let's find out.
THE KEY BATTLE
Rose and Salmons vs. Udrih and Evans. Tyreke Evans took turns guarding Trevor Ariza (not well) and Aaron Brooks (well) on Friday, and I imagine the same will be true here. I assume Salmons will continue his pattern of shooting jumpers (a career-high five threes per game this season -- I know Ben Gordon, sir, and you, sir, are no Ben Gordon), though if he has a steamy brain stem in lieu of a warmish brain stem, he may remember Beno Udrih is not adept at defending the drive, and if he has the opportunity to line up across from Udrih may attempt to drive a little bit. We know firsthand Salmons is a fairly skilled finisher, and while Spencer Hawes and Jason Thompson have improved as defenders at the rim there is no proof they can deny crafty finishers, of which John Salmons qualifies as such.
At the other end, Evans should be able to drive around or through either Bulls guard. You wonder if The Notorious VDN will opt to stick the long Deng (T.W.S.S.) on 'Reke, but then you realize that makes sense, which is something The N. VDN rarely does, so you stop wondering about that and begin wondering if Jarlsberg is a good choice for a grilled cheese sandwich. (Is it? If not, I have some Swiss, so let me know.)
As for Rose, I will say this: he is pretty good.
INTERESTING SIDESHOW
OK, so, in case you don't know, the Kings are opening up a buffet from 6-7 for any fan with a ticket. (The promotion is currently the splash page of Kings.com. Seriously.) If this game sells out, I predict that the Kings will immediately move to the Silver Legacy casino in Reno. I will be watching the attendance figures with baited (by roast beef and tiny cobs of corn) breath. The only hurdle is accounting for the notoriously healthy Brad Miller Reunion bump. Half of Loomis might come out!
BOLD PROCLAMATION
John Salmons will pass the ball to Kevin Martin exactly as many times as he did all of last season.
DETAILS
The game begins at 7 PM, though the tip may be late if Scott Moak is allowed into the buffet. ("Please rise from your seats as we prepare to salute the ham smothered in au jus and garlic mashed potatoes and ranch dressing.") Game thread at 7, Game Thread II at 8, post-game thread at 9:45, recap in South Dakota.
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IF I were a gambling man...
Bulls arearefavored by 2.5
Over/under 198
Call your shot before the game…
Is my banana fluffy enough?
Under
"Sometimes the capriciousness of youth anesthetizes common sense." -Let Geoff's words guide our patience this season.
by AnotherStupidSN on Nov 17, 2009 12:51 PM PST up reply actions
I'll take the points and under.
"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."
by coolcatreportdotcom on Nov 17, 2009 3:28 PM PST up reply actions
My take
Ok, don’t get all mad…
I’ll take the Bulls to win and cover. I’ll also take the over.
I think thespread can tell you a lot though. Anyone else suprised the Kings are only 2.5 point dogs in the road? Were starting to get a little r-e-s-p-e-c-t
Is my banana fluffy enough?
by 27freethrows on Nov 17, 2009 3:37 PM PST up reply actions
Epic fail
Facepalm!
Is my banana fluffy enough?
by 27freethrows on Nov 18, 2009 6:52 PM PST up reply actions
I maynit know if we are home or away
But I won both my bets.
I mean, I would have IF I were a gambling man.
Is my banana fluffy enough?
by 27freethrows on Nov 18, 2009 6:51 PM PST up reply actions
If you WERE a gambling man...
What was the line for the Houston game?
Visit my sports blog: Triple Slash Sports
by nobodyinparticular on Nov 17, 2009 5:35 PM PST up reply actions
I checked yesterday
and it was Kings -1.
I wouldn’t touch the kings/ bulls game bet, but I would RANCH the over. Kings are averaging 104 giving up 105, and playing at home. There should be a good crowd, I see the kings playing a fast paced game and the bulls trying to keep up. OVER!
by Travis Mays Hayes on Nov 17, 2009 6:04 PM PST up reply actions
Awesome!
Both the Alamo and Waterloo were loses, right? Ziller predicts a win!
Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott
They were losses for one side...
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
I think you're joking, but
when something is called your Waterloo, it means your crushing defeat when you’ve seemed invincible in the past. Your Alamo would be a heroic stand against overwhelming odds, resulting in defeat, but providing a rallying cry.
Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott
by Kfan in Korea on Nov 17, 2009 4:09 PM PST up reply actions
but the alamo led to an eventual victory
waterloo was a final defeat…lets just hope Vinnie has some gastrointestinal issues.
by passionforPERPS on Nov 17, 2009 2:17 PM PST up reply actions
but if the alamo is this game
maybe we win this one, but the Bulls have a better overall season?
Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott
by Kfan in Korea on Nov 17, 2009 4:10 PM PST up reply actions
Hmmm... comparing this battle to historic defeats
These are the Kings fans I know and love. Playoffs. Playoffs?!?
GREENE! You’ve been superfluously apostrophe’d! - andy sims
OMFGOMFG
I absolutely can’t wait for the Kings to pay tribute to Fox’s newest smash hit, GLEE!!! (check your local listings for times)
The NBA: "Where 27 free throws happens"
Interesting matchups all over the place
Noah vs Thompson – who’s got more energy? who can scream louder? HANDS TEAM!
Tyrus vs Spencer – the disinterested underperforming pseudo-stars collide!
Deng= vs Nocion – who can have a bigger impact? Who will prove their toughness? Who will hit more three pointers?
Rose vs Evans – Memphis supremacy is on the line, and jersey sales!
Hinrich vs Udrih – The we-were-starting-point-guards-that-now-have-to-play-two-guard-cuz-some-buck-from-Memphis-took-my-spot battle of the millenium.
Salmons vs Chicago-Fans-Collective-Patience – Will he pass first, or will they crack first?
Casspi vs Greene – Wait, these guys are on the same team. OR ARE THEY?!?!?!!!?!
GREENE! You’ve been superfluously apostrophe’d! - andy sims
by iashwash on Nov 17, 2009 12:46 PM PST reply actions 9 recs
That can only mean
The Kings are AHEAD IN THE MATCHUPS! PLAY TO KEEP THE LEAD!
GREENE! You’ve been superfluously apostrophe’d! - andy sims
by iashwash on Nov 17, 2009 12:59 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
Hahaha I like this
The we-were-starting-point-guards-that-now-have-to-play-two-guard-cuz-some-buck-from-Memphis-took-my-spot battle of the millenium.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
Thats a Rec from me
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Nov 17, 2009 1:58 PM PST up reply actions
Hearing Nocioni out
and that Greene probably gets the start. You’d think Casspi gets solid minutes if his ankle allows….
Looking for in depth solid basketball analysis? Try www.basketballfreeforall.com!
if Greene starts his confidence will be through the roof, which may not be good
because then he will start shooting from half-court.
But if he plays in control, I think he may get a chance to really prove himself. He could be a difference maker guarding Deng. Hopefully.
Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance. Vonnegut
Eric Maynor > Greene
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
I like Greene with the start
He’s longer than Omri, and might matchup with Deng better. Who are the Bulls gonna start at PF? Section’s Johnson or Gibson?
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
Wow, going way back with the "Sections's Johnson"
Your “StR meme” memory is truly impressive.
"Sometimes the capriciousness of youth anesthetizes common sense." -Let Geoff's words guide our patience this season.
by AnotherStupidSN on Nov 17, 2009 2:19 PM PST up reply actions
You should watch the video I put together
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
Damn you!
Speaking of which, did I ever mention that I dressed-up as that guy for Halloween? It was kind of awesome. But I don’t see what the big fuss is about with the Sham-wow. My brother-in-law’s wife accidentally got wine on her costume and the Sham-wow was completely useless to remedy the situation. They’re just crazy expensive dishrags.
I understand if you want to drop me from your sig-line now, though it’ll break my heart just a little bit. I guess I’ll just have to earn my way back in, if another epic whiskey-fueled late-night thread provides the venue.
"Sometimes the capriciousness of youth anesthetizes common sense." -Let Geoff's words guide our patience this season.
by AnotherStupidSN on Nov 17, 2009 3:11 PM PST up reply actions
Section's Johnson isn't that long or athletic; tires out easily, doesn't satisfy the needs of teammates; at least that's the scouting report I've heard
Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance. Vonnegut
by Ice_9ine on Nov 17, 2009 2:19 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
And has a difficult time putting it in the hole.
"Sometimes the capriciousness of youth anesthetizes common sense." -Let Geoff's words guide our patience this season.
by AnotherStupidSN on Nov 17, 2009 2:20 PM PST up reply actions
This would all hurt my feelings if it were remotely true
(Sniffle)
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
I like Greene at the 3, Casspi at the 2
with Evans, Brockman, JT. Go big, force turnovers, let the young men run.
Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance. Vonnegut
Taj Gibson starts at PF
and Miller comes into spell him and Noah in a three-way rotation.
Deng played 43 minutes the last two games and will proibably do it again.
The guards are also a three-man rotation of Rose, Salmons and Hinrich off the bench. Pargo hasn’t been playing much but is their fourth guard. If he plays, look for a Sergio sighting.
"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."
by coolcatreportdotcom on Nov 17, 2009 3:32 PM PST up reply actions
mmmm...three way....
Life is every mammal's journey from very very wet to very very dry.
The buffet is for Sean May
The fans get to come watch.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
by Aykis16 on Nov 17, 2009 1:59 PM PST up reply actions 6 recs
Throw it down, big fella
Throw it down!
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
by section214 on Nov 17, 2009 5:56 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
i hope so too
Noah’s got mad swag though. Spence needs to play angry.
“McCain got the nomination! What the hell!”
That’s the fire we need.
Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance. Vonnegut
by Ice_9ine on Nov 17, 2009 1:20 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Spence is distracted
He’s only a 1/4 of the way through Palin’s book and he’s wondering how it ends.
It was the Senator
in the turkey house with a pair of tainted Levi’s.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
A pair of Levis?
Is that her erotic dream about the father of her grandchild?
Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott
by Kfan in Korea on Nov 17, 2009 6:04 PM PST up reply actions
Go Kings!!!!!
looking forward to watching league pass on my HDTV, I moved and can get it now!!! I thnk watching games on the computer was making me go blind, and my mom said that would happen from….
6-4 would be sweet but I think this is a tough match-up for the Kings.
Word on the street known as the Blog-a-bull blog is that D-Rose is playing not so good
He isn’t driving, he is playing too controlled, his ankle has been hurt, and so he missed some preseason and may be out of shape, and his defense is below what it should be.
If that is the case, Beno and Evans can definitely take advantage of a backcourt of Rose/Salmons. I know Salmons is a solid defender, but I think with some pressure he will turn over the ball and Evans can get some easy buckets.
Udoka will totally shut down Deng.
Thompson will not play as well as he has been, but Spencer will step up, and Brockman will have his best game of the season, throwing his body into Brad Miller’s knees.
Greene will have 3 easy breakaway dunks, and Casspi will hit 2 timely 3 pointers.
Kings 102, Bulls 96. Book it.
Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance. Vonnegut
I will stab you in the big toe if you're wrong by even one point on that score.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
I am never wrong
unless you are my girlfriend. Then I am always wrong. Go figure.
Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance. Vonnegut
sooooft
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Nov 17, 2009 2:11 PM PST up reply actions
Another nice test
against a pretty good – but not great – team.
Can the kids hold it together?
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
I'm going to say yes.
Bulls have a talented team, but VDN is really holding them back. Evans is outplaying Rose at the moment (who is hampered by injury), Beno is playing great, JT is awesome. I just really want this win. If we could go on to win this, and then somehow in Dallas, we’ll really REALLY start to turn some heads, if we haven’t already.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
I think we can win this one
we just have to play pretty well – but at Dallas? I don’t see it at all.
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Nov 17, 2009 2:11 PM PST up reply actions
Tyreke would really have to step it up in that game.
Dallas will probably put Roddy Beaubois on him and he’s insanely athletic and fast (I totally called Beaubois jumping up the draft boards too). He could give ‘Reke trouble on both ends. I don’t see a win either, but this past weeks shown me theres at least a possibility.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
JT will destroy Dallas, have career highs of 32, 20, 8 assists, 4 blocks
Dirk will leave the game to change his shorts in the 3rd quarter, and that is when the Kings go on a 23-5 run.
Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance. Vonnegut
I just watched a mix of recent Orlando highlights for J. Will
Classic stuff. Amazing how well he’s playing there as a starting point—course he has a dominant big man. But he’s filling in nicely. I still think he would’ve been a fun short term move by the Kings, as I said last summer, because people in Sac loved him and he would’ve put butts in seats. I know he’s not a piece of any longterm puzzle, but he really seems to understand point play now. High assist to turnover ratio, shooting great from 3 now, too.
Thankfully, Beno is playing out of his gourd though.
What a coincidence
I just saw it a few mins ago. I can’t believe I forgot that the Magic signed him already for the season
since we are about 3 games ahead of where I thought we'd be I've turned off my magic 8 ball and am using it for a door stop
Joakim Noah is playing out of his mind and has taken his game to another level as has JT. With Thomas out I don’t know who is taking his minutes. With Rose injured I think we stack up well in the back court, think we would have anyway but his ankle is slowing him down and speed is part of his game. Brad and Spencer, hmmmmm, think I’ve got to go with the vet who schooled him (literally) since Spence is still using the Brad game face.
Over all I think we match up pretty well and they don’t look to dominate us. I’m going with the home team although I don’t have Ice_Nine’s confidence this should be a good match up. Go Kings!!!
"I make love to pressure" - Stephen Jackson
Taj Gibson will start in TT's place.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
Rookie from USC
6-9, 225
7.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1 bpg
Not bad. But he is 24.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
I'm thinking this will be a tough game.
I really like the Bulls squad and the effort they give each night.
Since this is the start of their long road trip and on paper the most “winnable” game, I’m sure they will bring their A game tonight.
Will Spencer get his shot blocked more then Brad Miller?? Too close to call.
Ba-da
Or will they be looking ahead?
and get frustarted if they fall behind early? Hmmmmm
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Nov 17, 2009 2:40 PM PST up reply actions
Hahahaha Nice.
Ass
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
by Aykis16 on Nov 17, 2009 3:59 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
The buffet will be stocked with Fun'Yuns per request of Brad Miller
And water man. Lots and lots of water!
Dip til I rip
http://reclaimingthetitle.wordpress.com
by Muff209 on Nov 17, 2009 4:01 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Confirmed Donte Greene to start.
Via @sacramentokings twitter
It could be only that Noce
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Oh, hes in the laegue two and Jayson Thomson and that Boggins dude on Milwokee, and Occur for the Jizz. Its a talented laegue.--Kfan in Korea
yeah, don't NFL players miss games with hip pointers?
If they can’t play with a shot and a pad, I can see an NBA player having to sit out.
Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott
by Kfan in Korea on Nov 17, 2009 6:43 PM PST up reply actions
Me too.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Oh, hes in the laegue two and Jayson Thomson and that Boggins dude on Milwokee, and Occur for the Jizz. Its a talented laegue.--Kfan in Korea
But if playing doesn't cause any long term damage
He should play. If the injury is not going to get worse by playing then he should be on the court or he’s just soft.
Godfather of the "nice ass" movement.... the future begins now...
Or he's about to be traded...
…and neither him or the Kings want to risk further injury to impede an impending deal.
Iloveveryone sent me a love letter after a comment I made on the Bee blog
Want me to send your love?
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Oh, hes in the laegue two and Jayson Thomson and that Boggins dude on Milwokee, and Occur for the Jizz. Its a talented laegue.--Kfan in Korea
Yep.
Said something about Dalembert’s trade kicker. It was kind in response to something Sam wrote on the blog there.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Oh, hes in the laegue two and Jayson Thomson and that Boggins dude on Milwokee, and Occur for the Jizz. Its a talented laegue.--Kfan in Korea
Did get a bunch of questions about what a trade kicker is?
Maybe they thought it had something to do with kicking someone
Godfather of the "nice ass" movement.... the future begins now...
Nope LOL
Just an old troll arguing with me.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Oh, hes in the laegue two and Jayson Thomson and that Boggins dude on Milwokee, and Occur for the Jizz. Its a talented laegue.--Kfan in Korea
LOL Read this & laugh
Hey, hey Pookeyguru,
Shouldn’t you be on that ‘other’ blog or King’s forum??
You know, the one where about 5 maybe 6 people flirt back and forth with each other while talking about the Kings. You know, that one blog where these 5 or 6 people make up the entire dialogue of each forum.
Oh, and I like to see that you are using my material; the whole “take your ball and go home” thing. I am always willing to help someone out with material.
But its cool. You are welcome here despite the fact you trash this forum(Sacbee.com) any chance you get.
I just find it a little funny/ironic you posting here and giving a shout out to Amick when you trash this site/forum(sacbee.com); which in effect is trashing Amick too. Maybe Sam should read some of your comments on that other forum??
At any rate, thanks for your post and Happy Thanksgiving!
P.S. – I have some of your favorite holiday Nuts I want to give you. You know, the Nuts with a touch of ‘214’ on them.
I really didn’t have a good response, but this is what I did say:
I missed you too iloveeveryone. How come you don’t post at StR anymore? Are the 5 or 6 people too intimidating for you? You have 214’s nuts? I hope you have a radiation suit on. Too dangerous for me. Have a good Thanksgiving iloveeveryone!.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Oh, hes in the laegue two and Jayson Thomson and that Boggins dude on Milwokee, and Occur for the Jizz. Its a talented laegue.--Kfan in Korea
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