Monday Night Game Two's

Day three of the NBA playoffs provides a couple of game two match-ups, with the home teams both looking to take commanding 2-0 leads. The first game is in Chicago, where the Bulls host the Bucks, and will look for their point guard to replicate his game one performance. Derrick Rose had 23 points and 7 assists in his first playoff game since 2012, and even more impressively attacked the basket with no fear. Rose was also able to knock down three shots from downtown, and was getting great lift on his jump shot, and good arc. Rose's three point shot has looked flat all year, almost like a line drive, but on Saturday night, Rose's stroke looked great. Jimmy Butler had a great game as well, scoring 25 points and dishing out six assists. It was great to see him have a strong game, because this is his first playoff game since becoming more of a scorer this season. The Bucks will have to shut down Chicago tonight if they want a chacne at stealing a game on the road. Giannis Antetokounmpo will have a stronger night offensively, I wouldn't be surprised if he goes for 20 points tonight after scoring 12 in game 1.
The second game of the night will be a game 2 in Oracle Arena, where the crowd apparently was so loud on Saturday afternoon that Pelicans coach Monty Williams challenged whether or not it was "legal". Sounds like someone is searching for an excuse to help his team out, but I don't think he'll get what he wants. The best crowd in the NBA will be at it again tonight, and I have a feeling they will cheering non-stop in game two. Stephen Curry and the Warriors were in control much of game one, despite Anthony Davis making it interesting down the stretch. I don't think Golden State will allow the Pelicans to score as much in the second half as they did on Saturday, and will win comfortably to take a 2-0 lead to New Orleans.

Don't Forget About Chicago

The Chicago Bulls have been relatively quiet since the injury to Derrick Rose, and then Jimmy Butler. Chicago is still in the three seed in the east, three games back of the Cleveland Cavaliers, but with Jimmy Butler back and the potential for a Rose return (how many times have we said that?), the Bulls could have a shot come playoff time. The team is still great defensively and probably the most talented team coach Tom Thibodeau has had since he took over the team. This team could really give both Atlanta and Cleveland a run for their money in the playoffs, even if Rose is not at the top of his game. Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic are enough offense for the Bulls to be a real threat to win the east this spring.

NBA Predictions Part IV

This years most improved player should be Jimmy Butler. It sure is tough this year with so many great players making such great strides in their respective games. Players like John Wall and Klay Thompson who were already established players have stepped up their games so much that they should too receive consideration. Butler's improvement has been so great, that he gets the nod for me. He went from a 13ppg 5rpg and 2apg guy, to a 20ppg 6rpg and 3apg guy in just one year. Not only are those numbers up but his shooting percentage has improved as well. Butler went from 40% from the field to 46%, and from 28% from three to now 35%. Butler also plays some of the most minutes in the league, and plays tenacious defense every night. His responsibility on offense is another reason he should get the award. Even before Derrick Rose went down with another knee injury, Butler had become a go to guy for Chicago. A player that they can rely on for big time plays in big time moments.