Chicago at Miami

The Chicago Bulls, despite a lot of injuries to key players, went to Brooklyn and won Game Seven to advance to the second round where they will play Miami. Miami has been unstoppable over their last 42 games where they are an unbelievable 40-2. The Heat disposed of the Bucks four straight, and have had time to heal injuries, bumps, and bruises. The Bulls will once again be shorthanded, with Deng out and Hinrich a game-time decision. Hinrich may get the green light at tip-off, but he is far from 100%. The Heat have allowed 100+ points just once in their last 14 home playoff games and have held eight of those opponents in the 80s or less. Chicago is a very good defensive team, and playing shorthanded, they are going to have to turn it up a notch defensively early to try and keep this from getting out of hand early. The Heat bring the defense every night, especially at home, and the Bulls mediocre offense is weakened by injuries. I expect a low scoring first half, and for the Heat to take the game over in the second half as they wear down the under-manned Bulls. Play on Miami and the first half UNDER.