NEWSLETTER
Splitting this series feels like a must when we consider the road that rests ahead …
Game Info
Chicago Bulls (16-20) at Cleveland Cavaliers (23-14) – 6:00 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Chicago (TV) and 670 The Score (Radio)
Projected Starters
Chicago Bulls
1. Ayo Dosunmu
2. Zach LaVine
3. DeMar DeRozan
4. Patrick Williams
5. Nikola VuÄević
Injury Report: Tony Bradley OUT (personal), Javonte Green QUESTIONABLE (knee), Derrick Jones Jr. PROBABLE (ankle), Alex Caruso PROBABLE (shoulder)
Cleveland Cavaliers
1. Donovan Mitchell
2. Caris LeVert
3. Lamar Stevens
4. Evan Mobley
5. Jarrett Allen
Injury Report: Darius Garland DOUBTFUL (thumb), Evan Mobley QUESTIONABLE (ankle) Dean Wade OUT (shoulder), Dylan Windler OUT (ankle)
What to Watch For …
- All things considered, the Bulls played pretty well during Saturday’s battle with Cleveland. They held Donovan Mitchell to just 15 points on 5-16 shooting and also tied their season-high with 20 force turnovers. It was another performance where they played with a sense of urgency on the defensive end and worked as a team to generate key stops down the stretch. If they want to grab the win tonight, they’ll need to bring the exact same intensity on that end of the floor, which we all know is a lot easier said than done for this inconsistent bunch.
- Patrick Williams scored the Bulls’ first three baskets of the game before he disappeared on the offensive end. Finding a way to keep him engaged on that side of the ball, specifically as a roll man or catch-and-shoot threat, feels like it should be a priority this time around. After all, the Bulls may not be able to bank on Javonte Green – who is questionable – adding double-digit points to the scoreboard for the second game in a row.
- The Bulls’ bench needs to step up. The possible return of Evan Mobley would send Kevin Love – who sank five 3s on Saturday – back to the second unit to join Cedi Osman and Isaac Okoro, who combined for 23 points and 11 rebounds last game. Whether it be a well-rested Goran Dragic or a high-energy Coby White, someone is going to have to ensure that the Bulls’ offense doesn’t tail off when the starters get some rest.
- My guess is it will be Coby White because … THE FRO IS BACK!
- More in here …
