Bulls vs. Heat: Biggest Weaknesses for Each Team Heading into Playoffs
After the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls' last regular-season battle, it's time to evaluate both Eastern Conference powerhouses before the playoffs kick off.
Was the Heat's 83-72 victory on Thursday a sign of things to come? Or will the Bulls exact their revenge, complete with Derrick Rose, in the postseason?
Here's a look at each team's weaknesses heading into the playoffs.
Chicago Bulls
Shooting Guard
The Bulls aren't as bad off this year as they were last season, but shooting guard is still a weak spot on the team. Richard Hamilton has been shooting the ball well, but he's 34 years old now and isn't able to defend as well as he did in the past. You have to love how he's battling, though.
Free-Throw Shooting
The Bulls shoot 72 percent from the charity stripe, fourth-worst in the NBA. In contrast, the Heat shoot 77.3 percent from the free-throw line. If the Bulls are forced to make free throws down the stretch, there's a chance they could falter.
Lack of Explosiveness
Beyond Rose, there aren't many players on the Bulls who have the athleticism to stack up with a team like the Heat. They've been able to play well against the Heat this season because of their team chemistry and help defense, but the Heat are able to cover up their deficiencies to an extent with electric plays and the ability to quickly shift momentum.
Miami Heat
Team Chemistry
The Heat may have the Big Three, but they haven't played consistently as a team throughout the season, and that's a legitimate concern. The Bulls were able to beat the Heat on March 14 without Rose because numerous players stepped up. The Bulls hardly miss a beat with their star player out.
Rebounding
LeBron James, the dominant player he is, significantly helps the Heat on the glass, but they don't have the interior players to clean up on the boards. The Heat have averaged 41.6 rebounds this season, 21st in the league, and Chris Bosh isn't the rebounder he once was.
Depth
This may go hand-in-hand with the Heat's team chemistry. Part of working well as a team is having numerous players off the bench contributing. If they don't contribute, the Heat's Big Three are forced to try to win the game themselves.
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