The Chicago Bulls will take on the NBA's best team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, for the third time this season on March 4. The Cavaliers have defeated the Bulls twice this season already, although it's been quite some time since these Central Division foes last clashed.
The Bulls fell to Cleveland within a week in November. First, the Cavs won 119-113 on November 11, then again on November 15, 144-126. Cleveland has won nine of the 10 previous matchups against Chicago. Looking for their third straight victory, the Cavs will face a much different team than before.
The Bulls to be shorthanded against the streaking Cavs
Chicago will be without Nikola Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu, and Patrick Williams. All three players had performed well in the two contests against Cleveland earlier this season. Vooch, who's missed four consecutive games dealing with a calf injury, averages 22.5 points versus Cleveland this season. Dosunmu, who will miss the remainder of the season, scored 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting the last time he suited up in Cleveland. Lastly, Williams's 15.0 points per game against the Cavaliers is tied for most against any team in the NBA.
Aside from the three Bulls already ruled out, three are questionable, and one is probable. Kevin Huerter and Lonzo Ball are deemed questionable after missing Chicago's matchup with the Indiana Pacers on March 2. Hueter was a no-show in Monday's practice as he deals with a knee sprain. Conversely, Ball was a partial participant as he tends to a sprained wrist.
Chicago's leading scorer in February, Josh Giddey, has been listed as questionable with a right quad contusion. Giddey played 34 minutes against the Pacers. However, it was his first game since before the All-Star break to not record a double-double. There's a chance the 6-foot-8 guard misses his first contest since December.
Cleveland set to be without Evan Mobley
While the Bulls are nursing quite a few injuries, the 50-win Cavaliers' injury report is nearly pristine. Cleveland will only be without All-Star big man Evan Mobley against the Bulls. Mobley has been ruled out solely due to rest. Amid a 10-game winning streak, the Cavs have granted the 6-foot-11 a break before taking on Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat on March 5.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Nikola Vucevic (Right Calf Tightness), Patrick Williams (Right Quadricep Tendinosis).
Questionable: Lonzo Ball (Right Wrist Sprain), Josh Giddey (Right Quad Contusion), Kevin Huerter (Right Knee Sprain).
Probable: Coby White (Left Thumb Sprain).
Cleveland Cavaliers
Out: Evan Mobley (Rest).