Apr 13, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) reacts during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum. Los Angeles Clippers defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 91-87. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden–USA TODAY Sports

The Clips shot the 10th most 3s in the league this year while the Grizz practically ignored them altogether. The Grizz could play 5 guys 40+ minutes, while the Clips go 9 or 10 deep.

Clippers probable starting lineup:

PG Chris Paul

SG Chauncey Billups

SF Caron Butler

PF Blake Griffin

C DeAndre Jordan

Billups’ minutes will be limited due to Father Time’s nagging injuries, but he’s said to feel fine. The Clippers have more quality depth than Memphis with Jamal Crawford, Matt Barnes, Eric Bledsoe, Willie Green and Lamar Odom coming off the bench.

The quickness of Tony Allen is likely to be wasted on Billups. An intriguing cross-matchup with Allen on Paul and Conley on Green, Crawford or Bledsoe when Billups ends up missing time could turn the tide for Memphis.

Grizzlies probable starting lineup:

PG Mike Conley

SG Tony Allen

SF Tayshaun Prince

PF Zach Randolph

C Marc Gasol

Z-Bo stands a chance against Griffin inside, but is likely to foul out if Blake can get him on the perimeter and try and take him off the dribble. Ed Davis could end up getting some significant minutes, which could be interesting, but letting Blake shoot 15-footers is a good strategy.

The matchup in the middle poses some serious contrasts, with Gasol’s mammoth, immovable presence inside and deft touch in the high post (for 13 million dollars this year) lining up against Jordan’s athletic and… dunking… blocking shots… fouling… (for 10 million dollars this year.)

Unlike the Eastern Conference’s 4/5 matchup of terribly slow and boring teams, this one has a highlight factory with depth and a serious defense with size — so you could at least argue they each would have a shot against the #1 seed next round.

I like the Clips’ depth and ability to hit the 3 and Memphis’ better frontline and coach, just not their ability to consistently hit shots.

Prediction: Clippers in 7.

Why This Work For The Bulls? Boozer gives the Bulls a legit second scorer and now Luol Deng becomes a very-legit third scorer.

Boozer also gives the Bulls a true threat in pick and roll situations.  Last season, they ran the pick and roll with Noah, and defenders would back off and let him shot.  But with Boozer, teams will respect his jump shot and Rose will not be double as much – or as quickly – after the screen.  It also allows Noah to and Deng to cut to the whole for easy buckets and rebounds while teams focus on Rose breaking down his defender.

Last season Noah averaged 11 rebounds a game, Taj Gibson and Deng averaged 7.9 and 7.3 rpg, and Boozer has averaged 10.2 his entire career.  The Bulls are going to be one of the better rebounding teams.

Why This Works For Boozer? Easy shots.  Plan and simple.  Boozer is must effective in the pick and roll – more like the pick and pop.  Boozer is a career 54% shooter and has the most beautiful high-arching jump shot in the league.  Boozer will have plenty of options.  Pop, roll, slip, wait and dive.

Rose is similar to Deron Williams.  They are both good in the open court, typically are strong than the opposing point guard and can break a player one-on-one.

The difference lays in Williams’ saavy and Roses’ athletic ability.

Like Williams, defenders fear Rose and even when their defender plays it right, both point guards can still find a make-able shot.

Another reason this works for Boozer, Noah will guard the opposing teams best big man.

In Utah, the Jazz started Memhet Okur at center, and he has never been called a “defensive stopper”.  Noah will allow Boozer to guard the power forward and not the center.

Another reason this works for Boozer – 5-years and $80M.  Boozer is 28 years-old and this contract will cover him through the remainder of his “prime” and then into retirement – possibly.  Either way, it is last chance for big money and playing in Chicago with Noah will ease his work load and possible extend his career.

Whats Left For The Bulls? Filling out the roster.  The Bulls currently have less then half a roster and need to find the correct pieces to make the Boozer signing worth while.  A player like JJ Redick would get plenty of open looks from distance and Redick has improved every season.  The Bulls could also go for a more defensive player like Boston’s Tony Allen.  Or sign both.

Starting Line-Up

• PG: Rose
• SG: Redick
• SF: Deng
• PF: Boozer
• C: Noah

Bench

• Gibson
• James Johnson
• Allen
• Back-Up PG

And yes, I realize there are three Duke players in the starting line-up – just deal with it.  The Bulls will have their middle-level exception and other cap space to complete their roster, but their top four are comparable to any playoff contender.