There were no buzzer beaters or late game heroics this time. After a slow start, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers took the lead late in the first quarter and never looked back to win Game 5 106-101. The Cavs now have a chance to close this series out on the road to give their players some much needed rest.
Can the Bulls defend their house? Read on for everything you need to know heading into this explosive clash. There’s plenty more NBA Playoffs action going around. Check out the complete previews for the Rockets vs. Clippers and Wizards vs. Hawks.
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls Game 6 Preview
Series Scores and Schedule
Game 1 – Chicago Bulls 99 at Cleveland Cavaliers 92
Game 2 – Chicago Bulls 91 at Cleveland Cavaliers 106
Game 3 – Cleveland Cavaliers 96 at Chicago Bulls 99
Game 4 – Cleveland Cavaliers 86 at Chicago Bulls 84
Game 5 – Chicago Bulls 101 at Cleveland Cavaliers 106
Game 6 – May 14, 8:00 PM ET – Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls – view all NBA lines
Game 7* – May 17, TBD – Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers
*If necessary
Betting on the Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James had 38 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in Game 5 to lead the Cavaliers to a commanding 3-2 Eastern Conference Semifinals series lead. That performance tied Michael Jordan’s record for most playoff games of at least 30 points, five boards and five assists (51). James could set a new record considering the way he’s played against the Bulls. He’s averaging 28.4 points, 11.4 rebounds and 8.4 assists in the series.
[sc:NBA240banner ]But Game 5 was a tale of two halves for King James. He was almost perfect in the first half, scoring 24 points on 10-of-12 shooting. But the Bulls were able to contain him for much of the second half as he scored just 14 points on 4-of-12 shooting. If the Chicago defense once again closes down on James, expect him to be more of a playmaker. He has plenty of weapons to choose from among the Cavs.
Despite being bothered by a right foot strain and tendinitis in his left knee, Kyrie Irving exploded for one of his best games in the series. Irving scored 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting, 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. His ability to score midrange jumpers as well as the three-pointer should give the Cavs a balanced offensive effort with James attacking the rim and Irving nailing buckets from the perimeter.
J.R. Smith should also provide a threat from the perimeter. He’s averaging 13 points on 50 percent shooting (43 percent from three-point range) in three games against the Bulls. He made seven three-pointers in the first two games at Chicago.
Meanwhile, Tristan Thompson gives the Cavs an inside threat. He finished with his second double-double in the series with 12 points and 10 rebounds in Game 5. He also had a pair of timely blocks. Thompson should still put up good numbers especially with the Bulls’ Pau Gasol (hamstring) questionable for Game 6.
The Cavs have won three of their four playoff road games thus far.
Betting on the Chicago Bulls
Derrick Rose looked like his former MVP self, but it lasted for just one quarter. Rose scored 12 points in the first quarter but shot just 2 of 15 in the final three en route to the Bulls’ 106-101 Game 5 loss. He also aggravated a shoulder injury he sustained in Game 1 and hurt his shooting wrist in the loss.
Rose has been an important cog in this series. He had back-to-back 30-point games to lead the Bulls in Games 3 and 4. If Rose’s shot is affected by his injury, then expect him to still contribute on both sides of the floor. He’s averaging six rebounds, 6.6 assists and one steal per game in the series.
But even with Rose failing to provide some firepower, the Bulls can take care of themselves. Jimmy Butler scored 29 and Mike Duleavy added 19 in Game 5. Butler has matched up well against James in this series, averaging 21.2 points with the Cleveland star as his primary defender. Dunleavy has been a sniper on the floor shooting 51 percent, including a stellar 45 percent from three.
But Chicago may miss one too many players at the four spot. Gasol is questionable due to a hamstring strain. Taj Gibson may incur further punishment after being ejected in Game 5 due to kicking a downed Matthew Dellavedova, a flagrant-2 foul. That may leave the Bulls with Nikola Mirocic as their only remaining power forward. Mirocic is yet to start a game this postseason. He’s averaging just 5.5 points on 14.7 minutes per game.
Tony Snell could also be given more time to play if Gasol and Gibson sit out. But Snell is more of a wing player. Playing him may force the Bulls to play small—not good considering the Cavs have Thompson and Timofey Mozgov, who could dominate inside with their length.
The Bulls are 5-1 ATS in their last six games at United Center.
Writer’s Prediction
The Cavs close out the series behind another stellar outing from King James. Create a betting account now and get in on the awe-inspiring NBA Playoffs.
