The Chicago Bulls are one of the more physical teams in the NBA, something that has certainly been seen up-close by the Miami Heat during the 2013 NBA Playoffs.
Taking Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series with the Heat, Chicago hasn't looked capable of winning the series following poor performances in games 2 and 3 even though they pride themselves on out-hustling the opposition.
Needing a win to even the series and avoid falling into a 3-1 hole, Chicago will host Miami for Game 4. Tip time is set for 7:00pm, EDT on Monday, May 13th with coverage available through the TNT television network.
While Chicago has shown the ability to compete with Miami on both ends of the floor throughout the series, the task of advancing will surely increase considering key players Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich are most likely out for game 4, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Deng is still recovering from adverse effects following a spinal tap procedure while Hinrich is still battling a calf injury.
Knowing two key components will most likely be unavailable for Monday night's contest, Bulls center Joakim Noah says one trait both players possess will be missed the most.
"Their leadership," Noah said to ESPN reporters. "We miss Lu and Kirk a lot. But as players those aren't things that we can control. We hope they come back as soon as possible. Come back right, come back healthy. As a player you can only control what you can control and that's bring maximum energy and do what you got to do to help win the game."
The Bulls will surely need maximum energy moving forward as Miami torched Chicago in Game 3, shooting 50% from the floor while connecting on 40% of their three-point attempts.
LeBron James was once again fantastic, finishing the game with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. In addition to the performance of James, Norris Cole provided the Heat with consistent offense off the bench. In 24 minutes of action, Cole shot 6-of-7 from the floor for 18 points.
Chicago was able to shoot over 45% from the field in the loss but poor free throw shooting coupled with the fact that Miami was the more physical team put the Bulls in the 2-1 series hole.
Proud of the way his team played in their last game, Chris Bosh knows the key to success against Chicago is without question physicality.
"You can't win a championship being pretty and shiny," Bosh said to NBA.com reporters. You have to get dirty. You have to dive on the floor. You have to do things that are extremely tough."
Bosh had one of his best games this postseason, totaling 20 points in 42 minutes while grabbing a game-high 19 rebounds.
The Bulls are clearly a banged up team but they've been able to overcome tough situations throughout the season, something they'll have to do again Monday when they host the Heat in a crucial postseason contest.
Game 4 from the United Center in Chicago will tip Monday, May 13th at 7:00pm, EDT. Television coverage will be provided by the TNT television network.
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS From Miami's 104-94 Win In Game 3:
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