It appears we have a nice little Saturday in front of us

MOUTHPIECE'S (what's with the caps?) Eamonn Brennan beat me to it, but it's worth reinforcing. Tomorrow is going to be an epic day in Chicago sports.

We've got the Game 1 for the Bulls and C's at 11:30, Sox and Rays at 6, and 'Hawks at 8. Factor in the immaculate weather - and should stay that way until about when the 'Hawks get underway - and it's shaping up to be quite the Saturday. The Cubs and Cards will even bridge the day-night festivities, if you're into that kind of stuff. For me, I don't have work, and this will probably the last weekend before things get super busy with finals and whatnot. So I plan on partying all day. Why not? I have to milk these precious few days of college, you know?

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Bill Simmons has some Billy Owens rookie cards to sell to John Salmons

From today's Sun-Times:

''I'll believe it when I see it,'' Bulls forward John Salmons said. ''I'm not buying it.''

Garnett's injury is not only the story of the series, but the story of the playoffs. I liked Simmons' take on the situation, but it's curious that the words "Chicago" and "Bulls" never appeared in the entire column.

I haven't seen anyone pick the Bulls yet, and I'm not going to be the first. I don't think they will beat the Celtics. But that doesn't mean they don't have a fighting chance. As I mentioned yesterday, if you look at all the playoff matchups across the NBA, I think the Bulls may be the league's best hope for a first round upset. Matt said on BDL that these Bulls are as good as any team in the East outside the top three, and I tend to agree. But the Celtics are just on another plain.

People have brought up the fact that the last time the Bulls won a playoff series it was against the reigning champs, when they knocked off the Heat in 2007.  I think the 2007 Heat and the 2009 Celtics are different animals, though. That team had nothing besides for Wade and Shaq, and both were clearly hurt (particularly Wade) throughout that series.

They also seemed to be satisfied with the position they were in: Shaq won his title without Kobe, Wade knew he still had a lot of good years left in front of him and he just couldn't win another one with that supporting cast.

The Celtics, on the other hand, will not roll over. If the Bulls are going to beat them its because without Garnett, the Bulls are a better team.

I'll say the Bulls take two. Remember that the last two seasons have each given us one great first round series. Maybe the Bulls can make it three in a row.

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   ESPN Chicago banner now