By Mark Kern
bobcats.com
January 20, 2012

KEY MATCHUPS
Tyrus Thomas vs. Carlos Boozer
A key for the Bobcats may be whether or not Thomas can keep Boozer off the boards. With Derrick Rose potentially not playing due to injury, Boozer will be relied on more on the offensive end. Boozer is a great offensive player than can score in many different ways in the pick-and-pop offense. He has the ability to hit the 18-foot jumper, as well as score around the basket… Thomas will have the athleticism advantage in this matchup and will look to use that against Boozer. If Thomas is hitting his jump shot early, this will cause Boozer to have to play defense away from the basket. As good as offensive player as Boozer is, he isn’t known for his defense. By making him play defense, it should wear him down, making him weaker on the offensive end and giving the Bobcats a much better chance to win.

D.J. Augustin vs. Deron Williams
Augustin is giving up a lot of size in this matchup, so he will look to run the ball and make Williams play defense. Augustin’s ability to get by the defender with his quick first step should open up some easy scoring opportunities for the Bobcats. Williams, when motivated and playing, is a premiere point guard in the league. However, with the Nets struggling to this point, there are rumors that he is losing interest in playing for the Nets. If the Bobcats can get off to a good start and frustrate D. Will, then the Bobcats could come back from New Jersey with a road victory.

SCOUTING THE BOBCATS (3-12)
The Bobcats are coming off a game that saw them battle the Orlando Magic before losing, 96-89. Bismack Biyomobo had a career game with 11 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks and great effort against Dwight Howard. D.J. Augustin and Kemba Walker combined for 28 points and 11 assists to keep the Bobcats in the game. Since the Bobcats went to the two point guard starting lineup, the results have shown some promise. The team has been competitive in their games and has shown the ability to push the tempo. With a young team, the Bobcats look to use that to their advantage and get the ball and run with it.

SCOUTING THE BULLS (13-3)
The Bulls come into this game with the best record in the NBA, despite MVP point guard Derrick Rose being bothered by a toe injury. Rose has missed three out of the last five games, including the Bulls 118-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. Carlos Boozer took over the scoring in the game as he scored 26 of his 31 in the first half as the Bulls cruised to the victory. Chicago continues to flourish under coach Tom Thibideau, especially on the defensive end, giving up a league low 85.8 points per game. If the Bobcats are going to pull the upset, they must be able to get out in the transition game and get some easy buckets, as the Bulls are very hard to score against in the halfcourt. Kemba and D.J. will be key in pushing the pace.

SCOUTING THE NETS (4-11)
The Nets are coming off a seven-point victory over Golden State on Wednesday that saw rookie Marshawn Brooks go off for 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Brooks, a rookie from Providence, has arguably been the most consistent Nets player thus far in the season. Without center Brook Lopez, the Nets have become a perimeter-oriented team that liked to kick the ball and shoot the open three. In the win against the Warriors, the Nets shot 11-of-29 from the 3-point line. Also, look for the Bobcats to be physical down low as the Nets start Mehmet Okur at center, and he is more of a perimeter style player.

TUNE IN
The Bobcats tipoff against the Bulls at 8 p.m. on Saturday in the United Center in Chicago on Saturday, and the Nets at 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. You can see both games on SportSouth. You can also catch all the action on WFNZ. Don't forget to join the live chat on bobcats.com.