NBA Playoff Predictions 2012: Resting Big 3 Will Cost Heat Dearly in Postseason
The Miami Heat may have a better trio than the Chicago Bulls, but the Bulls have the better overall team and chemistry.
That's why the Heat's "Big Three" resting before the playoffs is bad news for Miami.
The Bulls have won two of their last three matchups against the Heat, and their only loss came with Derrick Rose off the floor. Even in their two wins, Rose was either absent or not up to speed dealing with injury.
The Bulls, whether it be John Lucas dropping 24 points or C.J. Watson sending the game into overtime with a three-pointer, have shown they have much more depth than the Heat. They may not stack up to the Big Three talent-wise, but they make up for it by playing almost seamlessly as a team. It is because of their chemistry that they are my favorites to win the NBA title this season.
Of course, you can't exactly fault the Heat for resting their superstars. Chris Bosh is dealing with a hamstring injury, while LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will likely sit out the Heat's game against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.
But it's nonetheless unfortunate for the Heat because they still haven't shown they can consistently play well together. It's the same old story as last season, except the Bulls have risen while the Heat have remained largely the same.
It's hard to imagine the Heat and Bulls not meeting up in the Eastern Conference Finals this season. Unfortunately for the Heat, the Bulls are the only team that has the chemistry, discipline and depth to knock them out of the playoffs.
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