Bulls vs. Pacers: Keys To a Potential Trap Game

Today's game could very likely be a trap game against the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers have been playing better as of late and the Bulls are likely looking forward to tomorrows game against the Miami Heat. However they should try to win this game. If they can beat the Heat but they lose to the Pacers, they've still got a 1-1 stretch which is expectations at this point. A win is a win.

Derrick Rose

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 28: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls drives the lane against John Salmons #15 of the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center on December 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Bucks 90-77. NOTE TO USER: User expressl

Derrick Rose needs to get going early. The Bulls have a back to back tonight so they need to come out early and often and try to build a lead. If they have to go deep into the game and play their starters long minutes, they will be sluggish against the Heat, and you can't come out sluggish against the Heat.

Rose needs to get his shot going and crush the morale of the Pacers early so they won't come back late.

Starters

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 21: Keith Bogans #6 of the Chicago Bulls grabs a rebound against the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center on December 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the 76ers 121-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges a

The Bulls starters need to come out with intensity. They hav come out sluggish in many of the last few games which is why they have fallen in many of their last few games. Boozer especially needs to come out and abuse Hansborough in the post. Boozer is at least twice as strong as Psycho T and he should show everyone just that. The Bulls just need to make good decisions and want it more and there's no reason the Bulls shouldn't take a bug lead into the second quarter.

Bench

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 28: C.J. Watson #32 of the Chicago Bulls drives against Keyon Dooling #55 of the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center on December 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Bucks 90-77. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknow

The Bulls bench needs to come out and stifle the Pacers' bench. Taj Gibson should try and get some looks in the post and Watson needs to try to get to the basket. Our big problem in the second rotation has been scoring but the Pacers second rotation is suspect at best on defense. Watson needs to attack and Korver NEEDS to hit his good looks.

The Bulls should be able to come out and stifle the Pacers second rotation.

Defense

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 11: Danny Granger #33 of the Indiana Pacers reacts after not drawing a foul from the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on December 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloadin

Our key to beating the Pacers is containing their big guns. The Pacers will live and die around Danny Granger. Granger is a jump shooter so if he misses some shots early he may be hesitant to keep shooting. It's vital that he not get hot early or the Bulls might be in for a long game.

Their other big piece is Roy Hibbert. Hibbert started out the season very strong but has fallen back to earth in the last few weeks. He struggles with his confidence, and has even seen a sports psychologist about this. If the Bulls' bigs can stop him from getting anything going early, then they should contain him for the game.

Bottom Line

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INDIANAPOLIS - MAY 19: Stephen Jackson #1 of the Indiana Pacers reacts as they lose to the Detroit Pistons in Game six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2005 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2005 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The

The Bulls need to come out early and often if they're going to win this game that they should win. Don't let Granger or Hibbert score, but especially contain them early.

If they can do that, it should be smooth sailing to the Miami game.