The Brooklyn Nets look like they might have the advantage in Game 6 of this meeting as they get ready to face the Chicago Bulls in their first round meeting scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Kirk Hinrich will likely be out ounce again, giving the Nets the advantage on offense as Deron Williams is prepped to punish Nate Robinson.
Robinson can't play defense. You can't compare his efforts to Hinrich's because Robinson is not a defensive player, which is why he is usually restricted to a role off the bench. His offense makes up for what he lacks on defense. When the Bulls made their fourth quarter comeback in Game 4, Robinson charged them on offense, but he is too inconsistent therefore I wouldn't put my dollar on Robinson having big scoring nights in consecutive fashion.
No Hinrich means Robinson has to defend Deron Williams. Williams is fast, a crafty dribbler and an amazing passer. Physically, he has a six-inch advantage over Robinson, giving him a clear look at the basket whenever he desires. Robinson might have hops, but are put to use on a fastbreak or when wanting to make a circus shot. So far in the playoffs, Robinson has no blocks, so Williams doesn't have to worry about Robinson being in his face.
The Nets offense lives and dies by what Williams can produce. Williams opens up lanes, finds the open man and can knock down open jumpers. The Bulls have been able to put him on check here and there, which is when the Nets usually depend on Joe Johnson to produce some offense.
Another advantage the Nets have is Brook Lopez. He's tall, strong and now a defensive presence averaging over three blocks per game. The Nets did a great job getting him involved early and continued his offensive involvement as the game progressed. With Williams and Lopez involved on the offense, the Nets look like they can escape Thursday with another win, pushing the series to a Game 7 back in Brooklyn.
One thing to keep in mind, the Bulls have never let the Nets win at home, but you have to like the Nets chances as the Bulls' defense takes a huge hit with Hinrich's absence.
Game 6 Final Score Prediction: Nets win 98-95 in a close game.
