Cavs vs. Bulls: preview, odds, injury report, TV

Standing in their way is a familiar adversary. The Bulls nearly derailed the Cavs’ streak on Monday, taking advantage of their league-best 104.92 pace to keep Cleveland off balance for most of the game. Chicago relentlessly pushed the tempo, maximizing early attacking opportunities and capitalizing on transition mismatches. Their offense was led by a formidable trio of scorers – Zach LaVine with 26 points and both Coby White and Nikola Vucevic adding 20 each. Chicago shot 49.4% from the field and 36.8% from 3-point range.

Cleveland ultimately held on for the win thanks to a strategic switch by head coach Kenny Atkinson. Facing the Bulls’ relentless pace, Atkinson took a calculated risk by deploying an all-bench lineup that hadn’t played together earlier this season. Dean Wade anchored the five-man group, flanked by Ty Jerome, Sam Merrill, Caris LeVert and Georges Niang. The unit delivered immediately, erasing a nine-point deficit in less than two minutes with a 19-9 run to end the third quarter. That burst gave Cleveland a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, a testament to both Atkinson’s tactical flexibility and the depth that has defined this Cavs roster.

That adaptability has been crucial to Cleveland’s undefeated start, allowing Atkinson to roll with combinations that best fit the moment rather than relying solely on star power.

The Cavs will turn to their starters and their second-ranked offense to get off to a better start on Friday, but the reliability of their bench, especially in their 14th game in 24 days of the Cavs’ grueling schedule, has consistently eased the burden on the star players.

Here’s what you need to know about the matchup:

WHO: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls

Series: Second of four matchups in the regular season.

Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

When: 7:30 p.m. ET.

The point spread: Cavs minus-10.5; O/U 236.5

TV: FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio

Damage report

CAVS:

Out:

Sam Merrill (ankle); Max Strus (ankle); Emoni Bates (knee/two-way).

Likely:

Jarrett Allen (lower leg); Evan Mobley (illness).

Taurus:

Out:

Lonzo Ball (wrist); Adama Sanogo (knee).