The Chicago Bulls will once again take the floor without All-Star Luol Deng. Kirk Hinrich is also doubtful for game 2 against the Miami Heat.
Deng and Hinrich have missed several of the Bulls playoff games this season. Both players sat out during the Bulls 7th game against the Brooklyn Nets and the first game against the Miami Heat. The Bulls prevailed on both occasions.
Deng has been in and out of the hospital for the last week after getting a spinal tap . The star forward’s health is improving and he may be able to play in game 3.
Hinrich is also day to day. The Bulls point guard took the floor before the game on Monday night but decided that he still wasn’t ready to play. Hinrich will likely do the same before game 2.
The Chicago Bulls have adopted a “next man up” philosophy this season and so far the Bulls bench has been able to live up to the high expectations. Jimmy Butler took over Deng’s defensive duties and guarded LeBron James during game 1. Butler has played all 48 minutes in the last three games and there’s a good chance that he’ll do the same tonight.
It will be interesting to see what the Bulls choose to do if Hinrich is cleared to play. Captain Kirk is a steady hand at the point guard position but Nate Robinson has provided an emotional spark for the team.
Thibodeau said Hinrich improved Tuesday. Wait and see approach for Game 2. #HEATvBULLS
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) May 8, 2013
The Miami Heat are the heavy favorites for game 2 (as well as for the series and the NBA playoffs in general) and they’ll be looking to reassert their dominance against the Bulls tonight.
Do you think the Chicago Bulls will be able to beat the Heat in game 2?