Tonight at 7:00 p.m. this Easter Sunday the NBA action continues on TNT, where the No. 4 Chicago Bulls are set to tip off vs. the scrappy No. 5 Washington Wizards at the United Center. Live stream the game free by clicking this link; Bulls fans can hear the radio broadcast on ESPN 1000, while Wizards fans can listen to the game on Sports Radio 106.7 The Fan.
While Chicago's coaching and defense are getting top billing, the next true breakout into the superstar class could come from Washington, in the form of point guard John Wall. The former No. 1 overall pick had a healthy fourth season and had the best campaign of his career with 18.8 points per game and 8.8 assists, both career highs.
"I think a lot of people are writing us off, not saying we really have a chance," Wall said. "We know what's ahead of us. We've got a couple of young guys who haven't played in the playoffs, but we have great veterans -- one that has won a championship (Trevor Ariza), other guys that have been in the playoffs for a while -- and they're giving us advice."
Halting Wall's blinding speed is priority No. 1 for Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. "Every aspect of your defense is going to be five guys tied together," Thibodeau said. "You're not going to slow him down one on one. ... His speed is terrific. He makes and misses, but he pushes hard."
Wall's backcourt mate Bradley Beal is another player to watch after taking a major leap in Year 2 of his young career. He averaged 17.1 points a night, up four from his rookie season, and shot over 40 percent from downtown on 4.7 attempts a game. They'll need the guards to carry the load, as big man Nene is still hobbled with a leg injury and could be relegated to coming off the bench.
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