| NBA Regular Season Game 18 | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
@ |  |
6-11 (2-7 away) | 6-9 (4-1 home) | |
| United Center Bulls Blog Blog a Bull | ||
| December 2, 2009 8:00 PM ET | ||
| TV: Fox Sports Detroit Radio: 97.1 The Ticket | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Chucky Atkins | PG | Derrick Rose |
| Rodney Stuckey | SG | John Salmons |
| Jonas Jerebko | SF | Luol Deng |
| Jason Maxiell | PF | Taj Gibson |
| C | Joakim Noah | |
I got a late start on this preview, so it's going to have some holes.
Coincidentally, both teams will be having gaping holes in their lineup tonight at the United Center.
Detroit may be without three of their season opener starters and their sixth man tonight. Chicago, meanwhile, will be without Tyrus Thomas, the Hinrich maneuver, and are missing Ben Gordon, too. (Not that I'm complaining, but I'm still shocked at how poorly the Bulls organization handled Gordon. I know I'm not the only one).
Gordon and Villanueva will actually be game time decisions. Villanueva was fitted for a mask yesterday and True Blue Pistons said he would probably play. Gordon practiced lightly the past couple days.
Detroit will hopefully build off of their solid victory over the Hawks, but they have a little bit of a streak working against them: Chicago has taken the last six home games against the Pistons over the last three seasons. In addition, following a tough two point loss the other night, Chicago is going to be fired up to get back on track. That firery attitude will be dipped in kerosene if Ben Gordon plays, because they'll want to show him they don't need him. Of course, that works both ways, as Gordon will want to show the Bulls what they are truly missing out on. I hope he plays.
Tip off is 8 PM EST.
UPDATE: Charlie Villanueva is out. Ben Gordon still up in the air, but even if he can play, the starting lineup will be the same as Sunday's.
UPDATE: Ben Gordon is playing!
Scouting Report via Pistons.com: