Cavs look to avoid season sweep from Bulls

Location:

United Center, Chicago, Illinois

Probable Starters:

Cleveland:

• Collin Sexton
• Rodney Hood
• Cedi Osman
• Alec Burks
• Ante Zizic

Chicago:

• Bobby Portis
• Kris Dunn
• Lauri Markkanen (Game- time decision)
• Zach LaVine ( Game-time decision)
• Jabari Parker

Chicago-  The Cleveland Cavaliers (9-41) and Chicago Bulls (11-38) hold two of the worst records in the NBA, as they battle each other for the final time this season.

The Bulls have won the three previous meetings this season, including a 104-88 victory last Monday. Chicago came into Cleveland for an afternoon matinee, to snap a 10 game losing streak. Cleveland has lost 18 of their last 19 games, while Chicago has lost 12 of their last 13 games.

The Bulls were able to shoot 50 percent from three on Monday, a feat that helped keep the Cavaliers at bay much of the afternoon. Monday was another Cavs game where you had a feeling it was over in the first five minutes. Chicago stretched their lead out to 21 points early on in the fourth quarter, behind 25 points from Zach LaVine.

The Bulls point-guard has played the Cavaliers in two of the three meetings this season, averaging 24.5 points and five rebounds. LaVine presents a number of problems for Cleveland, especially his ability to change up his pace.

Much like the Cavaliers, the Bulls have dealt with the injury bug much of this season, including ahead of Sunday’s game. Chicago could be without both LaVine and Lauri Markkennen as both are game-time decisions. The Bulls are already expected to play with Chandler Hutchison, who had been starting at small-forward for Chicago the last few games.

Cleveland, on the other hand, awaits the return of All-star forward Kevin Love. This past week Love was able to practice with the team, but there is still no timetable for his return. Cleveland has only had Love for four games this season before he was sidelined from toe surgery.

The absence of Love has given the likes of Ante Zizic to see extended playing time. Zizic stepped into the starting line-up shortly after Tristan Thompson returned to the injury list. Friday night was the fourth straight start for Zizic, over that stretch he’s averaging 17.5 points and 8.3 rebounds.