I think the Warriors will give the Nuggets a huge test in the first round. The Nuggets lost their top scorer and if Faried is not 100% they will have issues down low with David Lee and Andrew Bogut. I question the Nuggets depth which could create issues with the style of play that they compete with which is up and down the court. The Warriors clearly can match them in pace and should stay in this game.
The Bulls took 3 of the 4 match ups this year and are used to playing without Noah. This is a gritty tough team that has played all year with injuries and I expect them to take this game against the Nets. The Bulls win with defense and were ranked 5th in 2 point defense. The Nets were just 2-4 and 1-5 ATS at home this year vs. teams ranked in the top 5 in 2 point defense. The Bulls won on the road here without Noah this year and they lost the other one by just 4 points after leading by 4 entering the 4th quarter. I expect a game that comes down to the last minutes once again as the Bulls have kept Joe Johnson in check as he averages just 13ppg vs. the Bulls this year. The Bulls also were 12-4 SU and ATS vs. teams ranked in the bottom 10 in 2 point defense as the Nets are.
