Either the Chicago Bulls are unlucky in that they have received back-to-back unexpected tests in the NBA Playoffs, the latest a real hairtorcher against the Atlanta Hawks, or the Bulls are not playing their best basketball right now. The Bulls are locked in a long series with the Hawks, with Game 6 Thursday in Atlanta (8 p.m. ET, ESPN). Each team has won once on the others' floor; if Atlanta holds home court in Game 6 as Chicago did in Game 5, we'll on to a Sunday Game 7.
Bulls Vs. Hawks, Game 6: Derrick Rose, Chicago Need One More Win Over Atlanta
The Bulls would prefer to handle business now. Derrick Rose, the league's MVP, is averaging 32 points per game in this series, but has shot just 43.7 percent from the floor and continues to struggle from distance. His foul-drawing has picked up somewhat -- he's right around eight free throw attempts per game, a very solid figure. But given his usage level, he should be in double-digits every game.
Credit the Hawks' big men for refusing to foul; Al Horford is averaging fewer than three fouls per game in the series, and Josh Smith is just a touch over that level. Atlanta has also leaned on Jeff Teague, a surprise starter once Kirk Hinrich went down in the finale of the Hawks' series against the Orlando Magic. Teague is averaging 17 points per game on 57 percent shooting.
Be sure to check out our Bulls vs. Hawks hub for full series coverage. For more on the Hawks, visit Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta. For more on the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull and SB Nation Chicago.
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