Bulls vs Cavaliers Odds, Starting Lineup, Injury Report, Predictions, TV Channel for Jan. 2

Zach LaVine, Donovan Mitchell, Chicago Bulls (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Zach LaVine, Donovan Mitchell, Chicago Bulls (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

After just falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a hotly contested 102-103 matchup, the Chicago Bulls won’t have to wait long to exact revenge. This time, they travel to Cleveland to take on an exciting young Cavaliers squad prospering under the leadership of veteran addition Donovan Mitchell.

For all the talk of star power between these two rosters, however, it was the role players who shined brightest in their last meeting. Caris LeVert and Kevin Love were the leading scorers for Cleveland, while Ayo Dosunmu and Javonte Green were Chicago’s most efficient and reliable offensive options, combining for 31 points on 11-for-15 shooting.

Here’s how you can watch tonight’s rematch of the New Year’s Eve nailbiter between the Bulls and Cavaliers.

How to watch Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Date: January 2, 2023
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET, 6:00 p.m CT
  • Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
  • Watch: NBC Sports Chicago, NBA TV
  • Stream: FuboTV

Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers, Spread, Over/Under

  • Favorite: Cavaliers (-4)
  • Over/under: 222.5 points
  • Moneyline: +142 Chicago/-168 Cleveland

Gambling odds and information courtesy of FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. Displayed odds current as of Saturday at 8:00 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; Probable – Derrick Jones Jr.; Questionable – Alex Caruso, Javonte Green; Doubtful – Tony Bradley

The Bulls once again find themselves with a hefty list of names on the injury report. Fortunately, there’s little reason to believe anyone besides Lonzo Ball is dealing with a significant injury that will linger past this game. Caruso and Green played particularly well in the New Year’s Eve matchup against Cleveland two days ago, so here’s to hoping they can suit up once again tonight.

Game Predictions

Before the last game prediction, I wrote about how Cleveland is a nightmare matchup for the Bulls, as they have the interior defense and perimeter scoring to give Chicago fits on both ends of the court. While I ended up being correct in my prediction, the Bulls kept it much closer than expected down the stretch and they nearly managed to pull off a win despite being on the second night of a back-to-back against a well-rested Cavs team.

That being said, I’m still rolling with the Cavs here. Cleveland will now receive the benefit of homecourt advantage, and a combined 18-for-46 (39%) shooting from Chicago’s ‘Big 3′ last game certainly doesn’t inspire much confidence that they’ll overcome the Cavs’ deadly defense. Unless Ayo Dosunmu has another incredible 19-point, 5-steal performance waiting up his sleeve, I expect the Bulls to unfortunately lose once again.

My Predictions: (16-20)

Bulls Upcoming Games

  • Jan. 4 vs Brooklyn Nets (24-12)
  • Jan. 6 @ Philadelphia 76ers (21-14)
  • Jan. 7 vs Utah Jazz (19-20)