Live Thread: Cavs @ Bulls

Live Thread: Cavs @ Bulls

2022-03-12 Off By Chris Francis

Good evening CtB!

Tonight is a doozy, with the Cavs arriving at the frigid shores of Lake Michigan to take on the Chicago Bulls in yet another massive Eastern Conference clash. Calling this game a big one is not just lip service or spin, with a win the Cavs pull to within a game of leapfrogging the Bulls in the playoff race. Additionally, the Cavs should be coming out with a focus after the drubbing they took in Miami at the hands of the Heat. These are precisely the games that have been missing from the Cavs’ oeuvre in the post-LeBron James era. Gaining experience in these types of battles is what the young Cavs need to get to the next level.

News, Notes, Stats

On the injury front, the Cavs are definitely without Caris LeVert and could be missing Lauri Markkanen due to some sort of ankle injury. The Bulls will be welcoming back Alex Caruso, one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, but will be missing Zach LaVine due to his persistent knee trouble. This will present an unusual challenge for the Cavs, in that Chicago normally tries to outscore their competition instead of grinding it out on the defensive end. Expect that to flip with the arrival of Caruso and the absence of LaVine.

The stats say this is a classic contrast of styles game (Chicago’s elite offense vs. Cleveland’s elite defense) as it was aforementioned, but again the injury situation may change that. Chicago is an elite shooting team, yet they create their looks more in matchup isolation situations with DeMar DeRozan and LaVine as opposed to whipping the ball around via the pass. Another strength vs. strength aspect of this game will be Chicago’s elite defensive rebounding vs. Cavs’ excellent offensive rebounding. The Cavs will have to lock it down in their one on one defensive matchups and take care of the ball on offense, something the Bulls do quite well.

Tip off is scheduled for 8:00PM ET and will be broadcasted live on Bally Sports Ohio/Great Lakes, Go Cavs!

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