Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls Predictions, Picks and Preview – 2015 NBA Playoffs, Eastern Conference Second Round Game 3 – May 8, 2015

We’ve got a series, folks. The Cleveland Cavaliers took advantage of a strong start in Game 2 to beat the Chicago Bulls, 106-91, to level their best-of-seven series at one game apiece.  LeBron James led the way for the Cavs who now set their sights on building a 2-1 series advantage this coming Friday.

Who will prevail in this pivotal matchup? Read on below for a breakdown of this critical showdown and while you’re at it you can check out our Game 3 previews of Atlanta vs. Washington and Golden State vs. Memphis.
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls Game 3 Preview

Series Scores & Schedule

Game 1 – May 4, 7:00 PM ET – Chicago Bulls 99 at Cleveland Cavaliers 92

Game 2 – May 6, 7:00 PM ET – Chicago Bulls 91 at Cleveland Cavaliers 106

Game 3 – May 8, 8:00 PM ET – Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls – view all NBA lines

Game 4 – May 10, 3:30 PM ET – Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls

Game 5 – May 12, TBD – Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers

Game 6*– May 14, TBD – Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls

Game 7* – May 17, TBD – Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers

* if necessary

Betting on the Cleveland Cavaliers

It’s safe to say we’ll be seeing more of LeBron James’ headband in the foreseeable future.

[sc:NBA240banner ]Wearing his signature headband for the first time in two months, the four-time MVP produced a vintage performance as he led the Cavaliers to a resounding win over the Bulls in Game 2 of their best-of-seven series. James had 33 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals in a sterling all-around performance Wednesday night.

With the Cavaliers trailing 1-0, James displayed the urgency that was clearly missing in his Game 1 performance. He was aggressive right from the get-go, scoring 14 points in the first quarter to help Cleveland build a quick 22-point advantage. And when the Bulls threatened in the second half, it was James who drained the rally-killing baskets for the Cavaliers.

James has been simply phenomenal for Cleveland in this year’s playoffs. He leads the team not only in points (26.7 PPG) but also in rebounds (9.8 RPG), assists (6.7 APG) and steals (2.3 SPG) as well. It’s basically a must for James to do a little bit of everything for the Cavs with injuries engulfing the club of late.

Adding to the team’s injury concerns for Game 3 is Iman Shumpert, who suffered a groin injury on Wednesday. Shumpert has stepped up big time in Kevin Love’s absence, averaging 18.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in the first two games of this series.

The good news for the Cavs is that J.R. Smith will be eligible to play in Game 3 after serving out his two-game suspension. Smith has been a key contributor for Cleveland in this postseason, averaging 9.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals in his four playoff games thus far.

The Cavaliers are 7-3 SU and 6-4 ATS in their last 10 road games.

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Betting on the Chicago Bulls

It’s back to the drawing board for head coach Tom Thibodeau and the rest of the Chicago Bulls after they were humiliated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of their second-round series Wednesday night.

After exploding for 99 points in Game 1, the Bulls were held to just 91 points on 40.5% shooting from the field in Game 2. The Bulls had a tough time with their perimeter shooting, nailing just 31.8% (7-of-22) of their three-point attempts. That’s a significant drop from their 55.6% three-point shooting clip a couple of nights ago.

Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler struggled mightily on the offensive end in this game, combining for just 32 points on 11-of-34 shooting from the field. Although Rose finished with a double-double (14 points, 10 assists), he was not as efficient as he was in Game 1, and finished a paltry 30% (6-of-20) from the field in Game 2.

For the Bulls to regain control of this series this coming Friday, they need Rose to be more aggressive in attacking the basket. It’s quite incredible to learn that Rose has not attempted a single free throw in his last three playoff games, dating back to Game 6 against Milwaukee.

It’s vital for Rose to attack the shaded area to make the Cleveland defense collapse on him. When that happens, the Bulls will have a much easier team in executing their offense. One teammate who will benefit the most when that occurs is Pau Gasol. The Spanish big man only had 11 points in Game 2, 10 fewer than his Game 1 production. He only shot 3-of-8 from the field on Wednesday as the Cavs were able to clamp down on his mid-range jumpers.

The Bulls are 9-1 SU and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games.

Writer’s Prediction

Chicago wins, 92-86, to go 2-1 up in the series.
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