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NBA Playoffs 2015: 10 reasons Chicago Bulls will beat Cleveland Cavaliers

By FanSided Staff

Feb 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) shoots the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) shoots the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) celebrates with forward Pau Gasol (16) as they enter a timeout against the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter in game one of the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) celebrates with forward Pau Gasol (16) as they enter a timeout against the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter in game one of the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Bulls Have Best Passing Big Man Duo in NBA

Putting the injury to Kevin Love aside, the Cavs still have plenty of problems to worry about when it comes to the Bulls. Chicago has one of the best passing big man duos in the game in Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol. Both of these seven footers can handle the ball like a forward and pass like a point guard.

Gasol and Noah have combined for an average of 8.8 assists per game. Head coach Tom Thibodeau isn’t afraid to run his offense through these two big men allowing extra stress on the offensive end to be taken off of Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose’s shoulders.

The Cavs don’t have the right type of forwards or centers to guard this type of player either. Tristan Thompson may be able to carry his weight defensively for a portion of the game. But Timofey Mosgov and Kendrick Perkins are going to be in for a rude awakening when they try and defend the pass first big men of the Bulls.

Since Gasol came over from the Lakers, the Bulls offense has never looked smoother. Quick passes and fluid movement on the offensive end cause havoc for any defense. The Bulls do this particularly well because of Noah and Gasol and the Cavs will feel the full force of that during this next series.

Cavaliers Response: Sure, Kevin Love being out hurts the Cavaliers in the passing game, but they still have two of the best players on the planet. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving will always be the two best players on the court no matter who is out there and that’s a massive advantage. Kyrie may not always pass, but he can — and he can very well. Ditto for LeBron James who is as good as two players combined on any court he steps onto. Read more reasons why Cavaliers will beat the Bulls here.

Next: More Jump Balls for Kyrie and LeBron

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