What To Expect In Second Chicago Bulls-Cleveland Cavaliers Matchup

Tonight, the Cleveland Cavaliers will take the floor for the first time since defeating the Brooklyn Nets in the 2024 NBA Paris Game this past Thursday.

Cleveland will begin a two-game Central Division homestand by hosting the Chicago Bulls.

Here are four things to expect in the second matchup between the two teams this season.

1. Strus In The Lineup

Cavaliers swingman Max Strus, who is one of two players to appear in every game for the Wine and Gold this season, left his team’s most recent game early due to right knee soreness.

However, according to the NBA’s 6:30 p.m. ET Injury Report, the 27-year-old is available to play tonight.

2. Key Reinforcements For Both Teams

Both the Cavaliers and Bulls will have a key player available who did not play in their last meeting back on December 23.

For Cleveland, star guard Donovan Mitchell ranks top-10 in the NBA in both points (27.9, sixth) and steals (career-best 1.9, fourth) per game.

For Chicago, star guard Zach LaVine is currently averaging 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 0.9 steals per game.

3. Tough Cavaliers Defense

The Cavaliers seem poised to have a strong defensive game, having held the Bulls to just 95 points in Chicago in their first meeting.

The Bulls also rank in the bottom five in the NBA in points per game (110.6, 27th), field-goal percentage (45.9%, 26th), and assists per game (24.1, 28th).

4. Both Teams Looking To Build On Strong Momentum

Both Cleveland and Chicago have strong momentum entering tonight’s contest.

The Cavaliers currently have the longest winning streak in the Eastern Conference (four games), which is tied for their longest this season.

On the other side, the Bulls have won four of their last five games.