Oct

26

Bulls Projected Starters Appear Set For Opener

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA News, SDC COMMENTARY 

Derrick Rose

Sunday found the Chicago Bulls’ projected starting lineup practicing together for the first time since October 2; according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, the timing couldn’t be better.

Of course, there are pros and cons withthe starting lineup gelling together just before the start of the regular season. The good being that with all the injuries the Bulls have suffered, that will force Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro to mix and match various lineups early on until he finds a fit that works for the long haul. However, the downside would be with continuity, which is key if the team expects to be successful this campaign.

Tyrus Thomas impressed Del Negro with his efforts during the exhibition season and played a good amount of small forward during the stretch. Derrick Rose is nearly 100% although he is trying to get his ankle as healthy as possible for Thursday’s opener on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs.

While Del Negro will experiment early on, expect the starting lineup for Thursday’s season opener to look like this:

  • Point guard – Derrick Rose
  • Shooting guard – John Salmons
  • Small Forward – Tyrus Thomas
  • Power forward – Luol Deng
  • Center – Joakim Noah

Just know that as with anything this close to the season opener, lineups are subject to change due to various factors, including injuries, Del Negro making last-minute changes, etc. Nonetheless, that’s the starting lineup I expect to see on the floor Thursday.


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