San Antonio Spurs @ Chicago Bulls NBA TNT Free Pick

San Antonio Spurs @ Chicago Bulls NBA TNT Free Pick: The Spurs are, surprisingly so, the beast the West so far, and as the Heat and Celtics look to be battling it out for that same title of the East, the Bulls have pulled with-in a couple games of that two-headed-monster. When they get Noah back, they’ll be even tougher – but right now this Chicago team can play defense with the best of them, and Derrick Rose can score on anyone.

I like the way the Spurs are playing, but Thursday will be their 11th road game in their last 12 games, their 9th in a row – and that has to begin to wear on a squad. They’ll have two full off-days prior to their bout with the Bulls, but Chicago has that same rest. It’ll be a good final game before the All-Star break.

The Spurs have been so solid this season, 46-9, that truly is impressive with a roster that is hardly youthful – but they’ve gotten a lot out of their young players, getting productive minutes from Blair, and shooters off the bench. Tim Duncan hasn’t had to play major minutes, and the team is certainly spreading the wealth. But after a long road trip, playing the Bulls in Chicago will be tough.

The bottom line here is that I don’t think Tony Parker can get closet to slowing down Derrick Rose. Nobody in the Spurs’ starting line-up can. Maybe George Hill (who played the Bulls tough in November) but like the last time these two teams played, I expect a big night from Rose. He can get to the rim at will against the Spurs’ backcourt. With Carlos Boozer in the line-up, the Spurs will have to extend their post defense, and that just opens up lanes. I expect that to be the difference with a home team win in this one.

San Antonio Spurs @ Chicago Bulls (-2) (TNT) (2/17)