NBA Playoffs 2014: Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards series preview
The Washington Wizards (44-38) had one goal and that was to return to the postseason this year. They added center Marcin Gortat to a core that included guards John Wall and Bradley Beal and it has really paid off.
The Chicago Bulls (48-34) had the weather the storm again, losing star point guard Derrick Rose to another injury. They have gotten surprising contributions from the likes of D.J. Augustin and have used their superior size and defense to get back into the postseason.
Series Schedule:
Game 1 in Chicago: Sunday, April 20, 7 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 2 in Chicago: Tuesday, April 22, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 3 in Washington: Friday, April 25, 8 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 in Washington: Sunday, April 27, 1 p.m. ET, ABC
Game 5 in Chicago (if necessary): Tuesday, April 29
Game 6 in Washington (if necessary): Thursday, May 1
Game 7 in Chicago (if necessary): Saturday, May 3
Season Series: Wizards won 2-1
| Washington Wizards | Chicago Bulls |
| Marcin Gortat | Joakim Noah |
| Trevor Booker | Carlos Boozer |
| Trevor Ariza | Mike Dunleavy |
| Bradley Beal | Jimmy Butler |
| John Wall | Kirk Hinrich |
| Washington Wizards | Chicago Bulls | |
| Pace | 95.45 | 92.72 |
| Offensive Rating | 103.3 | 99.7 |
| Defensive Rating | 102.4 | 97.8 |
If the Wizards can get anything out of Nene, who has missed 29 games this season, that could make a huge difference in this series. The Bulls are successful largely because of their big man rotation of Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer and Taj Gibson, so if the Wizards can counter with Gortat, Nene and Trevor Booker, that could go a long way. They obviously have a big offensive advantage in the back court with Wall and Beal. It will be interesting to see how the young guards handle the Bulls’ intimidating defense and their first taste of the big stage.