The Brooklyn Nets are struggling. A team that entered the playoffs at full-strength is now facing an early exit from the postseason. Joe Johnson is hobbling around on an injured foot. Deron Williams is struggling to score points. After the Chicago Bulls took a 2-1 series lead, the Nets will aim to even the series playing in Chicago on Saturday.

Brooklyn entered the playoffs with high hopes. They won 49 games in the team's first season in Brooklyn and ended a six-year franchise playoff drought. However, now they cannot seem to live up to hype. They shot just 35 percent over the past two games. Williams scored a mere 18 points in Game 3 and is struggling inside the paint. Gerald Wallace saw a dramatic drop in production after shooting 14 points in Game 1 to going just 2-8 for five points in Game 3. Brook Lopez was the only player managing a semi-solid game in Game 3, shooting 22 points with seven blocks. 

The Chicago Bulls have rebounded after a disappointing Game 1. A return to Chicago was what the team needed. Carlos Boozer continues to be the team's top performer after putting up 22 points in Game 3, along with 16 rebounds. He is helping making up for a struggling roster. Center Joakim Noah appears healthier and have contributed more minutes each game. Tom Thibodeau plans to hold him to about 25 minutes of playing in Game 4. The coach insists that Noah feels fine and is not experiencing any soreness. 

Johnson is not completely medically cleared of his plantar fasciitis, but is feeling encouraged that he will be able to contribute more in Game 4. The Nets will be in desperate need of more minutes from Johnson. If the team is unable to win a game in Chicago, a deep run in the playoffs will not be possible.

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