The Cavs swept the Celtics in the first round of this year’s playoffs, while Chicago had to wrestle with a scrappy Bucks team before breaking through with a decisive Game 6 win.
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Schedule/TV (All times Eastern)
Game 1 — May 4, at Cleveland, 7:00 PM, TNT Game 2 — May 6, at Cleveland, 7:00 PM, TNT Game 3 — May 8, at Chicago, 8:00 PM, ESPN Game 4 — May 10, at Chicago, 3:30 PM, ABC *Game 5 — May 12, at Cleveland, TBD, TNT *Game 6 — May 14, at Chicago, TBD, ESPN *Game 7 — May 17, at Cleveland, TBD, TNT
- If necessary
Season series: Cleveland leads 3-1
Key players: The Cavaliers’ “Big Three” is now a dynamic duo as forward Kevin Love is out for the duration of the playoffs after dislocating his shoulder in the series-clincher against Boston. Still, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving might be the best one-two punch in the NBA right now, with respect to Golden State’s Splash Brothers.
Chicago’s All-Stars, Gasol and Jimmy Butler, both saw their scoring averages drop against Cleveland this season. Rose, however, saw his scoring numbers increase against Chicago’s division-mates.
Injuries: Love’s dislocated shoulder may end up being the deciding factor in this series, as the Cavs could use his scoring to keep Pau Gasol busy on the defensive end.
Prediction: Bulls in 7
