The Cleveland Cavaliers are hoping they continue their hot streak after sweeping the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, while the Chicago Bulls are trying to maintain the momentum from their 54-point rout to clinch their series against the Bucks. Which team will draw first blood in the Eastern Conference Semifinals?
Projected Starting Lineups
(2) Cleveland Cavaliers (53-29)
G Kyrie Irving – 21.7 ppg, 5.2 apg
G Iman Shumpert - 7.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg
F LeBron James – 25.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 7.4 apg
F Tristan Thompson – 7.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg
C Timofey Mozgov– 10.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg
(3) Chicago Bulls (50-32)
G Derrick Rose - 17.7 ppg, 4.9 apg
G Jimmy Butler - 20.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg
F Mike Dunleavy - 9.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg
F Pau Gasol - 18.5 ppg, 11.8 rpg
C Joakim Noah - 7.2 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 4.7 apg
What to watch for:
Cleveland's Bench Production
Kevin Love is out for four to six months after dislocating his shoulder in the series finale against the Boston Celtics, meaning Cleveland is losing nearly 17 points and 10 rebounds per game they’ll have to get from somewhere else. J.R. Smith is also serving a two-game suspension, meaning Matthew Dellavedova becomes the Cavs' sixth man. A lot of players are going to get a lot of playing time they aren't used to, and Cleveland needs them to be productive if they're going to win this game.
Derrick Rose vs. Kyrie Irving
Irving has cemented his place as one of the best point guards in the league, Rose will come in motivated to prove he’s back to his old MVP self against him and LeBron James. If Rose can match Irving's production (or outplay him), the Bulls win win this game easily.
Prediction: Cavs win 101-99
Chicago will control most of this game, but Cleveland is playing at home, where they've lost just once since January 7. The home crown will give the Cavs the energy to make the plays they need to down the stretch, giving them a comeback victory.
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