The Chicago Bulls visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night at Rocket Arena, with injuries set to play a major role in the Central Division rematch. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET as both teams look to gain ground near the middle of the Eastern Conference standings.
Chicago enters the game at 11-15 and riding a one-game winning streak after a 127-111 home victory over Cleveland on Wednesday. The Cavaliers are 15-13 and have dropped two straight games, including that loss to the Bulls and an overtime defeat against Charlotte earlier in the week.
The Bulls’ injury report features several rotation questions, starting with Ayo Dosunmu, who is listed as questionable with a right thumb sprain. Tre Jones is also questionable due to left hamstring tightness. Zach Collins is listed as probable with left wrist soreness and is expected to be available. Noa Essengue remains out following left shoulder surgery, while Trentyn Flowers, Emanuel Miller, and Lachlan Olbrich are unavailable due to G League assignments.
Cleveland’s injury situation is more significant, particularly in the frontcourt. Evan Mobley is out with a left calf strain, removing a 19.1-point, 9.3-rebound presence from the lineup. Larry Nance Jr. is also sidelined with a right calf strain. Max Strus remains out following left foot surgery for a Jones fracture, while Sam Merrill is unavailable due to a right hand sprain. Chris Livingston and Luke Travers are also out on two-way assignments.
The biggest question for Cleveland surrounds Donovan Mitchell, who is listed as questionable with an illness. Mitchell is averaging 30.7 points per game while shooting 38.3 percent from three-point range, and his availability could swing the matchup after Chicago limited him in the previous meeting.
