NBA Playoff Scenarios: Chicago Bulls' Chances Of Winning in Game Two

During the opening game of the NBA 2008-09 playoffs, the Chicago Bulls stunned the world with a magnificent win in overtime against the defending champions, the Boston Celtics.

Leading Rookie of the Year candidate Derrick Rose led the way for the Chicago Bulls with 36 points and 11 assists (tied with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most points scored in first game of playoffs during rookie season.)

The Chicago Bulls ended the game shooting 42.7 percent from the field and 90.9 percent from the charity stripe.

So what are the chances of the Bulls winning game two tonight in Boston ?

The Celtics shot an atrocious 39.4 percent from the field, 25.0 percent from the three-point line, and 77.8 percent from the free throw line.

Assuming they improve during game two, the chances are pretty slim at most.

What can the Bulls to do get a chance at winning this game?

The trade deadline trade that acquired John Salmons and Brad Miller for the Chicago Bulls has turned out to be an absolutely stellar deal.

Salmons is currently battling a groin injury and you can really start to see it in his numbers. Salmons shot a whopping 37.5 percent from the field during the opening game of the series for only 12 points.

During the last two games of the season, John Salmons averaged a mere 6.0 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.0 RPG, shooting a combined 4-for-18 from the field (22 percent FG) and 2-for-4 from the free throw line (50 percent FT).

This is clearly a nagging injury that continues to bother Salmons and it is showing in his overall game play.

If the Bulls want any chance at securing a win, they will need Salmons to be at least 90 percent before gametime.

Stay tuned for the next NBA Playoff Scenario—"Brandon Ribak"