The Bulls probably didn't think too much of the NBA giving them a back-to-back on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, although at least the league gave them a day game Friday and a night game tonight, which likely gave them enough time to celebrate the arrival of 2011.
The win yesterday over the lowly Nets was described by most analysts as "listless"; the Bulls shot only .392 from the floor. Fortunately, the Nets were worse -- .390 -- and the Bulls played good enough defense to win.
Tonight, the Cavaliers visit the United Center. If it's conceivable, the Cavs are even worse than the Nets; they are 27th in the NBA in scoring, have been outscored by an average of nine points a game, and have lost 15 of their last 16 games (the only win was in overtime over the Knicks). One of those 15 losses was to the Bulls in Cleveland on Dec. 8. The Cavaliers are 3-14 on the road, all three wins coming against losing teams (the 76ers, Wizards and Nets) on one road trip in November.
Let's hope the Bulls aren't too hung over from celebrating the New Year. Even without Joakim Noah, they should win this game pretty easily. (Of course, we said that about the Clippers game, too.)
Tonight's game begins at 6 p.m. CST (an hour earlier than usual), and will be televised on CSN Chicago.