Chicago Bulls vs Washington Wizards: Position-By-Position Preview For The Playoffs

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Power Forward: Joakim Noah vs Nene Hilario

Apr 25, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) attempts to intervene in a scuffle between Washington Wizards forward Nene (42) and Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) in the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Joakim Noah was an MVP candidate last season but entering the playoffs, he seemed as though he was a fraction of the player that won the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Throughout last year’s first-round series, Nene torched the Bulls by shooting from the mid-range area and shooting them very efficiently. He shot 54.8 percent on field goals in the series, many of those coming on mid-range jump shots. Joakim was often late getting back to Nene from helping on Wall and seemed visibly fatigued.

An incredible amount of pressure has been taken off of Noah this year, and although he hasn’t looked like himself, he hasn’t had to be himself. He’s gotten more rest this season than he ever has and won’t have a minutes restriction once the playoffs are here. That fatigue he experienced last post-season? It will likely be non-existent this time around.

Noah’s game is dictated by his energy, and his energy comes from the emotions he feels. The rivalry with the Wizards should have Joakim’s emotions up to an all-time high, especially after Nene publicly claimed his hate for the Bulls. Expect Joakim to be especially ready for this battle.

Advantage: Joakim Noah

Next: Pau Gasol vs Marcin Gortat