Fan Duel Toronto Raptors

Gameday: Raptors vs Bulls – Apr. 2/11

74 down, 8 to go; starting with the Bulls

There are 8 games left until the entire fan base has a renewed interest in the team. This summer is going to bring a lot of action: potentially new GM, potentially new coach (if we get a new GM), draft pick, trades, free agent signings, labour lockout. All of that is loads more exciting than anything the Raptors do on the court.

Matt McHale, from By The Horns, was gracious enough to answer a few of my questions about the Bulls:

I’ve got a $100 bet with my buddy that the Bulls are going to the Finals. They will have to go through Indiana, Hawks (yea, I’m picking them) and Boston to do it, but I think they have what it takes. How good is this team?
I think a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals is pretty reasonable. But the Finals? Historically speaking, teams don’t usually jump from “can’t get out of the first round” to making the Finals. Do I think the Bulls are ready to push the Celtics or Heat hard in the ECFs? Absolutely. But they still feel at least a year away. I hope I’m wrong about that.

James Johnson has quickly become my favourite Raptor since the trade. While he isn’t the best shooter, the guy contributes across the board, and is the best defender on the team (sad but true). Why did the Bulls give up on him? We’re you sad to see him go?
Well, first off, I think JJ needed a fresh start. Things hadn’t gone well for him in Chicago and I think he needed to be on a team with lesser expectations (no offense) and (therefore) more minutes for him. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, trading JJ gave the Bulls some extra cap flexibility to pursue O.J. Mayo before the trade deadline. It didn’t work out, but I believe that’s a big reason (maybe even the primary reason) Johnson was moved.

What was the hold-up in landing a shooting guard who can score at the trade deadline? Was Omer Asik really worth potentially putting a serious championship run in jeopardy over?
First, the Bulls made a significant offer for Mayo. In fact, Chicago’s offer was better than the offer the Pacers made, which was accepted by the Grizzlies but couldn’t be completed before the deadline. As for the various Asik trade possibilities: With all due respect to Courtney Lee, he was not the difference between a title and no title for the Bulls. Giving up a really fine young player like Asik wasn’t worth a minor upgrade that could potentially be made this coming offseason. And at any rate, with the injury history of Chicago’s frontcourt (Boozer and Noah) and the fact that the Bulls’ other backup center, Kurt Thomas, has to be carbon dated to determine his true age, Asik really is necessary insurance.

Make the case why Derrick Rose isn’t the MVP, as well as why Thom Thibedeau isn’t coach of the year (they would get my vote if I had one)
The case against Rose as MVP has been made repeatedly by the likes of John Hollinger, et al. In fact, it has become THE “in” article among the advanced metrics community, even though it’s basically the same article over and over. Essentially, the biggest argument against him is that there are statistically more efficient players. As for Thibs, the only potentially stronger coach of the year candidate is Gregg Popovich, with the way San Antonio has owned the standings all season. Of course, the Spurs have won titles before, whereas the Bulls kinda-sorta came out of nowhere…

Anyone on the Raptors pique your interest? Make me a deal for someone.
I’m big on team needs. Do you have a big, strong, athletic shooting guard who can defend, drill threes at a high percentage and create his own shot? ‘Cause that’s what the Bulls need.

Might as well talk about the game…whats the plan heading into tonight’s game? Bulls by 13 sound about right?
I have them penciled in for an 18-point win. But maybe that’s just hopeful thinking.

Injuries

Toronto
Linas Kleiza – Out
Amir Johnson – Day to day
Andrea Bargnani – Day to day
Jose Calderon – Day to day
Reggie Evans – Day to day

Chicago
Joakim Noah – Day to day

The Line

There isn’t a published line for the game (yet), but you have to imagine it is close to double digits for the Bulls. Rose is going to have a very big game, and so is Boozer, and there is nothing the Raptors can do about, especially given the injury situation and so many guys both hurting and not giving a rats ass at this point of the season. Hopefully the Raptors go 0-8 over the last week and a half, and put some pressure on the Wizards for 3rd (worst).

Thank God for Groupon, otherwise these last couple weeks at the ACC would be a ghost town…