With Derrick Rose Out Can the Sixers Upset the Bulls?
April 29, 2012 1:45 PM 
Derrick Rose has officially been diagnosed with a torn ACL in his left knee, and he will not return this season. Could his absence from the Bulls line-up be enough for the Sixers to sneak-out a first round victory?
Without Rose, the Bulls are without the league current MVP and the one difference maker for either team on the floor. The Bulls without Rose are still a pretty good, deep team, much-like the 2004 Pistons teams that won a title. CJ Watson takes over the point guard duties without Rose on the floor.
As for the Sixers, the gave Evan Turner the start in the second half and got a productive 12 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals in 30 minutes. If they can get him going like he was the final week of the season, the Sixers might have a little jolt to their offense.
Elton Brand scored 19 points, adding seven rebounds, one steal and four blocks in a wasted effort. Meanwhile, Andre Iguodala had 11 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Thaddeus Young came off the bench for 13 points and four rebounds.
Rebounding was a big factor in the game and will continue to be the rest of the series. The Bulls pulled down 47 rebounds to the Sixers 38. Another area the Sixers could use a lift is in three-point shooting. The Sixers hit on just 1-for-9 from behind the arc with Jodie Meeks playing just 11 minutes.
Will the losing Rose effect the Bulls, yes. Will it effect them enough to lose to the Sixers? Doubtful.
I still have the Bulls in five.
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