Rerun: Miami Takes on Bulls for First Round Test

Looks like the Chicago Bulls got EXACTLY what they wanted: a rematch with the Miami Heat.

Last year, Miami took out the Bulls in the first round in 6 games, but the Bulls gave the Heat a scare when they played on their home court in Chicago - taking 2 games (games 3 and 4) from Miami. The Heat were able to take their next two games to close out the series, one at home in Miami and the final on the road. Still, this left the Bulls feeling like they would have taken the series if they had home court advantage, instead of Miami.

Now, they will get their chance to prove it. The Heat, however, aren't dismayed one bit.

"Chicago feels like they can beat us," said Wade. "Kirk Hinrich came out and said it. We'll find out. It would be a great matchup. They have the opportunity now to be at home. They feel that's the only reason we won last year, because we had home-court advantage. So the only thing you can do is throw the ball up and play."

O'Neal also weighed in. "I don't care who they are or what they say, nobody wants to play us in a seven-game series. And if they do, we're coming."

Be careful for what you wish for. This sentiment was echoed by Zo, and this Heat team, banged up all season, seems to be coming together at just the right time. Gary Payton made a surprising appearance in last night's finale against the Magic, showing promise by playing 35 minutes whereas only a few days ago he was slated to be on the DL for at least 2 weeks.

The first game will be at 3pm this Saturday in Chicago and will prove to be a crucial game for both teams. For the Bulls, the focus will be on trying to stop Shaq and control the painted area. For the Heat, it will be beefing up their perimeter defense. Yet, there is a sense that this series takes on greater meaning than just simply a playoff series. It is loaded with built-in angst and drama, and close to being a rivalry.

As Wade noted, both Hinrich and Nocioni blabbed to their Chicago media that they feel they should not only have won last year's playoff matchup, but they are confident going into this year's rematch.

"We feel we should've won last year's series, honestly," Captain Kirk quipped. "We felt we should've won Game 5. So we're confident. It's a team we're familiar with."

Is it really a team they are familiar with? The Heat hasn't had it starting lineup together practically all season long, yet has been getting its various components back and healthy throughout the year. The Bulls have not played that team yet, but they soon will. Not to mention, Eddie Jones was added to this roster on Feb. 1st and the last time the Heat played the Bulls - in Miami on March 7th - the Heat blew out the Bulls 103-70. That was also without Dwyane Wade, whereas on January 27th the Heat lost to the Bulls by 3 points (100-97) in Chicago without Shaq.

The Bulls may be disillusioned here, blinded by the constant propoganda and preaching of their head coach, Scott Skiles. I have no doubt they will be a tough opponent for Miami in the first round, but also don't overlook the fact that Miami was actually looking forward (and hoping) for a first round rematch, too. They were crowded around the TVs last night watching the end of the Bulls/Nets game instead of watching the end of their own game. They feel disrespected by the Bulls, who definetly ruined their night on opening night by blowing out an apathetic and distracted Heat team looking forward to their ring ceremony.

Still, the excuses, like the injuries, have faded away. The Heat need to step up and prove they are the champions of the NBA and this post season will give them the rare chance to defend their title. The Bulls will prove a tough opponent, but will they prove to be enough to overtake the champs while also gaining the added bonus of home court advantage?

Get ready for a rerun.