The Chicago Bulls dropped only their second game of the season yesterday in an NBA Cup tie against the division rival Milwaukee Bucks. The theme of "seconds" will continue tonight (though hopefully with a different outcome): the second game of a back-to-back, second in a row on the road, second straight against a division opponent and second night facing an Eastern Conference contender when the Bulls face the Cleveland Cavaliers.
For better or worse, both teams come into the contest relatively healthy, with the exceptions of two important backcourt stars.
Still no Coby White for Bulls against Cavaliers, Dosunmu probable
Chicago's leading scorer from last season remains out with a lingering calf injury -- though there seems to be a plan for his return. White expects to be back for the team's Western Conference road trip that begins on Nov. 16.
It will be an interesting reintegration for a player who was expected to be the Bulls' go-to option on offense, considering Josh Giddey's explosion into an MVP candidate, Ayo Dosunmu's leap as a scorer, the ageless Nikola Vucevic and the depth of options head coach Billy Donovan has on his bench.
Speaking of Dosunmu: The 25-year-old returned from a quadriceps injury that kept him out for a week and scored seven points in the loss to Milwaukee. He's probable for tonight's game against the Cavs.
Darius Garland is out for Cleveland
The two-time All-Star guard returned from a toe injury and made his season debut against the Philadelphia 76ers on Nov. 5, finishing with eight points and four assists. Two nights later, Garland scored 20 points, hit four 3-pointers and added nine assists in a rout of the Washington Wizards. The 132 and 148 points the Cavaliers scored in those two games, respectively, are their season highs.
But Garland will be kept out of tonight's tilt -- the second night of a back-to-back -- as a precaution while he continues his return from injury.
Sharpshooter Sam Merrill will play his third game since Oct. 27 after missing time with a hip injury. He finished with 14 points on 4-for-5 shooting from three in last night's win over the Wizards.
Complete injury report for Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers
In addition to White, Chicago will still be without center Zach Collins, who continues to work his way back from a left wrist fracture.
Max Strus is out for Cleveland, while Dean Wade is questionable.
Chicago Bulls:
Out: Coby White (calf), Zach Collins (wrist)
Probable: Ayo Dosunmu (quadriceps)
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Out: Darius Garland (toe), Max Strus (foot)
Questionable: Dean Wade (eye)