Cleveland Cavaliers (15-13) host Chicago Bulls (11-15) for their third meeting this season. The series is currently split, after Chicago beat Cleveland comfortably by 127-111 on Wednesday evening.
The recent poor run of form will be a big concern for head coach Kenny Atkinson. In the last 10 games, only Orlando have attempted more FG’s. Cleveland rank 27th for FG %, & 30th for 3pt % in this period. It has been the catalyst for their poor form, which has seen them win just three games in ten.
Chicago’s win on Wednesday night does not reduce the pressure they have been under. With just two games in ten, Chicago sit 10th in the East and just inside the play in positions. With seven players on expiring contracts, they will have significant salary cap flexibility entering the offseason. So they will be looking to pursue some high end talent to strengthen their roster.
Injury report:
Cleveland Cavaliers: Max Strus (foot) is out. Larry Nance Jr. (knee) is out. Sam Merrill (hand) is out. Evan Mobley (calf) is out. Donovan Mitchell (illness) is questionable.
Chicago Bulls: Noa Essengue (shoulder) will miss the rest of the season. Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) is questionable. Tre Jones (hamstring) is questionable. Zach Collins (wrist) is probable.
Our Selection:
1u: Chicago Bulls +7.5 pts (-110)
With tension rising for the Cleveland Cavaliers as they slide further down the Eastern Conference, I think Chicago will be favourably on the spread as road underdogs. Josh Giddey comes into this in great form after his triple double on Wednesday night and will be the key.
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