The Cleveland Cavaliers (15-12) will visit the Chicago Bulls (10-15) on Wednesday, December 17, at 8:00 PM ET, with both teams coming off one-game losing streaks. Injuries could play a major role, particularly for Cleveland, which is missing key contributors.
Cavaliers forwards Evan Mobley (left calf strain) and Larry Nance Jr. (right calf strain) are both out, alongside Max Strus (left foot surgery) and Sam Merrill (right hand sprain). G League two-way players Chris Livingston and Luke Travers are also unavailable.
Chicago faces its own setbacks, with Noa Essengue sidelined after left shoulder surgery. Ayo Dosunmu is listed as questionable with a right thumb sprain, while G League players Trentyn Flowers, Emanuel Miller, and Lachlan Olbrich will not play.
Cleveland is led by Donovan Mitchell, averaging 30.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game, though he may need support from role players given the injury list. Mobley’s absence removes a key frontcourt presence, leaving Jarrett Allen and Dean Wade to shoulder more responsibility inside.
The Bulls rely on Josh Giddey, who averages 20.1 points and 8.8 assists, and Nikola Vucevic with 15.6 points and 9.1 rebounds.
In their previous meeting this season on November 8, Cleveland defeated Chicago 128-122 at home. Both teams will look to rebound after recent losses, with the Cavaliers dropping 111-119 in overtime to Charlotte and the Bulls falling 104-114 to New Orleans.
