2014-15 Clippers #NBASchedule: 10 Must-See Games

Jan 24, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) is defended by Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

November 17th vs. Chicago Bulls

2013-14 Season Series: LAC 2-0 CHI

The last time the Clippers faced off against the Bulls with Derrick Rose in the starting lineup, Barack Obama was still in his first term of presidency, Rose was the defending league MVP, the Dallas Mavericks were defending NBA champions, James Harden was still a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kyrie Irving was a rookie, and Mo Williams was the starting shooting guard for the Clippers.

Translation: that was a long time ago–December 30th of 2011 to be exact.

And that’s what makes this matchup interesting. Without Rose, the Bulls are the team no one wants to fast because it’ll likely be a slow-paced, knockdown fest. But with Rose, there’s a chance for something special to occur on the floor. Having not seen Rose play against NBA competition consistently for almost three calendar years, the stakes are raised for this one. Whether you think they’re the consensus pick out East, the Bulls are a championship team which means another good measuring stick early in the season.

It’s Chris Paul versus Derrick Rose.

It’s Doc Rivers versus Tom Thibodeau.

It’s another window of opportunity for Blake Griffin to embarrass Pau Gasol.

Yeah, it’ll be a good one.