Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks | Preview & Predictions

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2010 — NBA FREE PICK

Chicago Bulls (23-24) at Atlanta Hawks (31-17), 8:00 EST, TV: ESPN

The Chicago Bulls, the second-place team in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division, travel to take on the Atlanta Hawks, the second-place team in the Eastern’s Southeast Division at Phillips Arena.

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The season series between the two teams is tied 1-1, with the Bulls losing at Atlanta on Dec. 9, 118-83, and picking up the win in Chicago on Dec. 19, 101-98.

Guess what, NBA fans? The Bull actually aren’t playing that bad lately. For Chicago, this season, it has never been about a lack of talent, but more about a lack of cohesiveness that starts at the top, with coach Vinny Del Negro constantly on the hot seat, and seems to trickle its way on down to the lineup. And despite two straight (close) losses to the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago is a tough out for anybody in the East right now. The reason the Bulls are playing so good falls largely on guard Derrick Rose, who seems to be transitioning into the role of shooting guard even though his name will still be listed next to “PG” on any lineup card. But don’t get confused _ Kirk Hinrich is the best point man for the Bulls and Rose is the two-guard. Even if he doesn’t know it yet.

First and foremost, the Hawks always seem to play better at home, and you don’t need to look any further than the last five games for evidence: Atlanta is 2-3, with both wins coming in Atlanta. Right now, the Hawks are healthy and still in contention for the Southeast title at only 1.5 games back of the Orlando Magic, a team that Atlanta can’t seem to figure out. With bona-fide stars in Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, the Hawks seem to be able to play with anybody in the NBA when their minds are right. At home, they usually can all get on the same page.

The odds makers have the Hawks at -6½ -point favorites.

If Rose can get the hot hand and Joakim Noah is doing his thing in the post, Chicago has enough complimentary talent to stay in the game. Johnson and Smith are always reliable for Atlanta, and Al Horford is showing he can be one of the best power forwards in the NBA. Get Marvin Williams clicking and high-scoring Jamal Crawford off the bench and watch out.

Look for the Hawks to win a hard-fought game by 5 points.

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