Cleveland Cavaliers vs Chicago Bulls: Game preview, start time, television information

The Bulls are tanking their over-loving asses off but are somehow winning a few games here and there anyway. The Cavaliers remain so hilariously banged up that it’s a wonder that they’re able to field a roster. I don’t know how good this game will be. But what I do know is that it will happen.

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls

When: 8 p.m. (This road trip has got to end)

Where: United Center - Chicago

Enemy Blog: Blog a Bull

TV: Fox Sports Ohio

Online: Fox Sports Go, NBA League Pass

Cavaliers injuries: Kevin Love (OUT - hand), Tristan Thompson (OUT - ankle), Larry Nance Jr. (OUT - hamstring), Rodney Hood (OUT - back), Cedi Osman (OUT - hip), Kyle Korver (QUESTIONABLE - foot), Kyle Korver (OUT - personal)

Bulls injuries: Lauri Markkanen (OUT - back), Paul Zipser (PROBABLE - foot)

Three keys to the game

• I’m not sure how the Cavaliers are going to suit up enough players for this game. With Kyle Korver out for a personal reason, the team will be missing SIX players, leaving only nine available players for Tyronn Lue, including two-way players London Perrantes and John Holland. The Cavs could conceivably have to use Jordan Clarkson at small forward. Yeesh.
• The Cavs will get their first look at Zach LaVine in a Bulls uniform in this game, and he hasn’t been shy. LaVine is averaging 19.5 shots per 36 minutes and is only shooting 38 percent as he works his way back from an ACL tear last season. He’ll fire away, especially from three - the Cavaliers have to be ready to guard him.
• Due to no shootaround today, we don’t know who Tyronn Lue is trotting out there for the starting lineup. I’d suggest putting either Jeff Green or Ante Zizic on the bench just so there’s at least one person over 6’5 available to come in and play some big man minutes. The options are pretty limited, obviously.

Key matchup

The key matchup here is between the Bulls interest in trying to win a basketball game and the Cavaliers ability to squeeze a win out of a rotation featuring London Perrantes. It should be thrilling.

Fear the Sword’s Fearless Prediction

The Cavaliers win, but basketball fans everywhere lose. Cavs 103, Bulls 97.