For the second time this week, the Cleveland Cavaliers will lock horns with the Chicago Bulls, this time for some NBA Cup action at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Cavaliers won by six points on Monday, thanks to Donovan Mitchell‘s 36-point effort. After the game on Monday Cleveland took their streak to 13-0, the best-ever start in the Franchise’s history.
Meanwhile, the Bulls managed to pull off a win against the Knicks, and that too in their own backyard. Despite blowing a 22-point lead the Bulls managed to get the job done because of Josh Hart’s foul on Coby White in the dying minutes of the game. While, the Cavs have outperformed expectations, lately, they look a little beaten up.
When asked about having some tired legs in the camp coach Kenny Atkinson said, “Yes, I do think that’s part of it, and uh I said it last game it’s part of the reason we’re using our bench so much we understand, um the context we understand the schedule uh there’s definitely some of that.” Implying that playing so many games is catching up. Furthermore, this might be a factor that has led to their starters being on the injury list, let’s take a closer look at that.
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Cavaliers vs Bulls Injury Report
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report
The Cavs could miss a couple of their stars for this game in center Jarrett Allen and forward Evan Mobley. As Allen is listed as probable due to a leg issue whereas, Mobley is questionable due to an illness. Missing either of the two would be a huge loss for Cleveland as they have been vital for their impressive start to the season.
Others on the list include Sam Merrill who is out with an ankle injury. Followed by Max Strus, suffering from a hip injury and will miss at least six weeks of action. Lastly, Emoni Bates underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.
Chicago Bulls Injury Report
Bulls on the other hand don’t have as many players injured on their roster. First is Lonzo Ball, who is out but isn’t wearing a brace on his right wrist, stating he will resume basketball activities in the coming days. Then there is Adama Sanogo, who is questionable for the game due to a knee injury.
Depth Charts
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Cleveland Cavaliers Depth Chart
Position | Starters | 1st Rotation | 2nd Rotation |
PG | Darius Garland | Ty Jerome | Donovan Mitchell |
SG | Donovan Mitchell | Caris LeVert | Sam Merrill (out) |
SF | Isaac Okoro | Georges Niang | Dean Wade |
PF | Evan Mobley (probable) | Dean Wade | Georges Niang |
C | Jarrett Allen (probable) | Evan Mobley | Tristan Thompson |
Chicago Bulls Depth Chart
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Position | Starters | 1st Rotation | 2nd Rotation |
PG | Josh Giddey | Lonzo Ball (out) | Ayo Dosunmu |
SG | Coby White | Ayo Dosunmu | Zach LaVine |
SF | Zach LaVine | Dalen Terry | Matas Buzelis |
PF | Patrick Williams | Julian Philips | Matas Buzelis |
C | Nikola Vucevic | Jalen Smith | Adama Sanogo (probable) |
The Cavaliers have performed exceptionally well so far, but they look a bit tired of late and had to overcome deficits late in their last three games, including the game against the Bulls. However, they remain favorites in this one, and rightly so, as they have proved that they can get the job done. But, the Bulls will be lurking to make their move and pull off an upset as they did against the Knicks with LaVine, White, and Vucevic playing great.
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Can the Cavaliers maintain their winning streak, or will the Bulls pull off another surprise upset?
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Can the Cavaliers maintain their winning streak, or will the Bulls pull off another surprise upset?
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