[SBRforum Staff]

Back Bulls +6 at Heat

Game Time: 10/31/2006 8:00:00 PM
By: Bryan Leonard
http://www.phoenixsports.com

The 2006-2007 NBA season tips off tonight as the World Champion Miami Heat host the young and emerging Chicago Bulls.

In the offseason the Bulls aged a bit as they signed Ben Wallace and PJ Brown to give them defense and veteran leadership. Many experts feel the moves will put the Bulls in position to make a strong run at the title.

Miami brings back the same cast of characters that made them so successful a year ago. This is now Dwyane Wade's team and he certainly has been impressive. While we firmly respect what the Heat did last year, keep in mind that they were underdogs in the playoffs, winning just 52 games. They are not head an shoulders above the rest of the league, regardless on their rings.

Speaking of rings, the Heat will be holding a ceremony celebrating their success from a season ago. We like to go against teams in this senario as they are preoccupied with things other than basketball. While their opponents are talking strategy the host is patting each other on the back. It has worked well for us in the past and we will continue to use this valuable angle. The true line on this game should probably be about four, so we are catching a couple points in addition to the situation.

Play: Bulls +6

[bigboydan]

This is one of the very rare times I will be backing the chalk in this game.

[isetcap]

I think this is a great game to avoid choosing either side. The Bulls will be very dependant on shots falling for their guards all season long. That makes this team inconsistent at best. Miami should grind this one out but their poor FT shooting may open the back door for the Bulls. With inconsistent factors like those, it seems like you're doing nothing but paying juice to play this one.

[goldengoat]

miami coasted a lot during the early season last year

i think a lot of that is shaq not tiring himself out too much early on and having nothing left for the playoffs

with all the vets on miami that goes on from time to time until they decide to get it revved up for the playoffs

none of this applies to D Wade of course who is full speed all day everyday which really helps the heat in the first half of the season