*INJURY-PLAGUED BULLS PUT TO THE TEST: Can Chicago Upset First-Place Cavaliers on Tuesday Night?*
Chicago, IL – The Chicago Bulls are facing their toughest challenge of the season on Tuesday night as they host the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bulls, who have been struggling with injuries to key players, will need to dig deep and find a way to overcome the odds if they hope to pull off a major upset.
The Cavaliers, led by All-Star center Jarrett Allen and point guard Darius Garland, are riding a 5-game winning streak and boast the best record in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Bulls are dealing with a rash of injuries that has left them without several key contributors, including starting point guard Lonzo Ball and power forward Patrick Williams.
“It’s not going to be easy, but we’re not making excuses,” said Bulls head coach Billy Donovan. “We’ve got a tough opponent coming in, and we need to find a way to rise to the challenge.”
The Bulls will be relying on their bench players to step up and fill the void left by the injured starters. Players like Alex Caruso, Javonte Green, and Andre Drummond will need to have big games if the Bulls hope to keep pace with the high-powered Cavaliers.
“We’re going to need everyone to contribute if we’re going to win this game,” said Bulls star Zach LaVine. “We’re not going to make excuses about who’s hurt and who’s not. We’re just going to go out there and compete.”
*TUESDAY NIGHT’S MATCHUP BY THE NUMBERS:*
– Cavaliers: 45-15 overall, 22-8 on the road
– Bulls: 26-33 overall, 14-15 at home
– Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen: 14.5 points, 9.8 rebounds per game
– Bulls’ Zach LaVine: 24.5 points, 4.5 rebounds per game
*CAN THE BULLS PULL OFF THE UPSET?*
– The Bulls are 5-5 in their last 10 games against the Cavaliers
– The Cavaliers have won 7 of their last 10 games overall
– The Bulls are 12-5 at home against Eastern Conference opponents this season
