After dropping a heartbreaking last-second 100-102 loss to the Washington Wizards last night, the Chicago Bulls keep things moving with a back-to-back against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This will be their first home game of the season, so expect Chicago to roll out all the pregame festivities before tip-off.
Making substantial improvements over the summer, the Cavaliers have to be looking to make a strong impression against their Central Division rival here. Cleveland has only played one game thus far, losing 105-108 against another top Eastern Conference team the Toronto Raptors.
Look for Ayo Dosunmu to replicate his last season’s success against Cleveland’s twin towers of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen here. The Bulls claimed victory in three of four meetings against the Cavaliers last season, and enter this game looking to extend their active three-game win streak.
How to watch Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers
- Date: October 22, 2022
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m CT
- Where: United Center, Chicago, IL
- Watch: NBC Sports Chicago, NBA TV
- Stream: FuboTV
Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers Odds, Spread, Over/Under
- Favorite: Cavaliers (-2)
- Over/under: 217 points
- Moneyline: +108 Chicago/-126 Cleveland
Gambling odds and information courtesy of FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. Displayed odds current as of Friday at 7:00 a.m. CT.
Projected Chicago Bulls Starting Lineup and Injury Report
- PG: Ayo Dosunmu
- SG: Zach LaVine
- SF: DeMar DeRozan
- PF: Patrick Williams
- C: Nikola Vucevic
- IR: Out – Lonzo Ball
Although they have managed to remain competitive in his absence, Chicago will finally have star shooting guard Zach LaVine return to the starting lineup against Cleveland. The status of his knee will be important to monitor moving forward if it affects his ability to be a dynamic three-level scoring threat. If it does, the Bulls’ hopes of making a genuine playoff run are all but finished. Alex Caruso returns to the bench unit with LaVine back in action.
Billy Donovan says Zach LaVine should play tomorrow in the home opener against Cleveland.
— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) October 21, 2022
Staff Predictions
So far, I’ve gone 0-2 on my predictions, so hopefully the Bulls won’t be the only ones picking up a win tonight. I predict Chicago to claw out a win here, as they often seem to play to the level of their competition. After adding Donovan Mitchell and a healthy Jarrett Allen to their lineup, there’s no reason they can’t improve on their 44-win mark from a year ago. Even so, I’m riding with the hometown team here in their opener.
Bulls Upcoming Schedule
- Oct. 24 vs Boston Celtics (2-0)
- Oct. 26 vs Indiana Pacers (0-2)
- Oct. 28 @ San Antonio Spurs (1-1)