Pelicans 2015-2016 Opponent Preview: The Chicago Bulls
Welcome to the “Pelicans 2015-2016 Season Opponent Preview” series.
Before the season starts, I’m going to take every team in the NBA and preview and predict just how the Pelicans will handle them. Here’s all you need to know about how the Pelicans will matchup with the Chicago Bulls in 2016.
How the Pelicans handled them last season:
If there’s one thing we learned from our two games against the Bulls last season it’s that the minute Anthony Davis leaves the floor we are screwed. In our second game against them on February 2nd we kept it fairly close, until AD fell awkwardly off the rim, left the game and the Bulls went on a 40-11 point run. FOURTY TO ELEVEN.
Remember game 3 against the Dubs in the playoffs? Remember when they came back from being down 20 in the fourth and 17 with just a few minutes to go? As insane as the Warriors were that night the Bulls were even more insane on February 2nd when AD left the floor.
Feb 1, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) rebounds over New Orleans Pelicans point guard Tyreke Evans (1) during the second half of a game at the New Orleans Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Bulls 88-79. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The first time we played them on December 27th AD was fully healthy and dropped a casual 29 and 11 while holding Pau Gasol to just 8 points.
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In that game we lost by just seven points, and were closing in towards the end until Butler hit some crazy shots and decided the outcome.
This game took place before the additions of Quincy Pondexter and Norris Cole though, and we still had Salmons, Jimmer and Rivers running the bench. In the first game, Rivers and Salmons combined to play just about 30 minutes, with Rivers shooting 3-11 from the floor and Salmons contributing the most “John Salmons” stat-line of all time.
John Salmons, December 27th Vs. The Bulls: 14 minutes, 0 shots, 0 points, 0 assists, 0 blocks, 0 steals, 1 rebound (What a killer) and 2 turnovers.
Yikes. Good to know we won’t be dealing with that again.
Key offseason additions:
Gained: No one significant
Lost: Head Coach Tom Thibodeau (Hoidberg should be a fine upgrade here)
How the Pelicans will match-up with them in 2016:
When AD was injured Pau Gasol went off for 20 points, but when healthy Noah was held to just 8. That’s not an accident, Davis has Gasol’s number, and has dominated him since his sophomore season. AD’s wingspan is a perfect counter to Gasol’s length and post scoring ability, and Pau is simply way to slow to keep up with AD in transition. As long as Davis can stay on the floor; Noah won’t be a factor.
With Pau neutralized, and Noah looking like a shell of himself the Bulls front court shouldn’t be too much to handle. Additionally, Gibson‘s defense will be less value off the bench since Ryan Anderson will be able to pull him away from the rim.
I’m still worried about Butler and Rose though. Holiday is a perfect player to guard Rose, but our first game against them is December 12th and Jrue will probably still have his minutes restricted. Meanwhile, we really have no answer for Jimmy Butler on the wing. Maybe Cunningham or Pondexter does an okay job on him, but Pondexter sacrifices strength meaning Jimmy can post up, and Cunningham sacrifices speed meaning Jimmy will take him off the dribble.
Dec 27, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans forward Luke Babbitt (8) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Offensively, Gentry and Hoidberg will both improve their team’s schematics, so let’s just call that aspect a draw.
Predictions for the 2016 Season:
Our second game against the Bulls takes place in April, in the midst of our easiest month of the year. I bet that the Pelicans take that game easily since they will have Jrue free of minutes restrictions and be rolling with positive chemistry and good vibes.
Our first game makes me slightly more nervous though. We still have no answer for Butler, and Holiday won’t be able to guard Rose for more than 15-20 minutes. The Bulls started the season more groovy than us last year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we drop that game and get revenge later in the season.
Final predictions:
1. Pelicans go 1-1 vs. The Bulls this season
2. Jimmy Butler has one 30 point game.
3. AD blocks Noah at least 3 times in the second game of the year.