If the Miami Heat are going to get past their long-time conference rivals, Chicago Bulls, they might have to do so without LeBron James. The reigning MVP is a game-time decision against the Bulls after suffering a broken nose against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
James suffered the injury after Serge Ibaka ran into him during a drive to the basket as the Heat went on to win 103-81. James may have sat out the final six minutes, but he still managed to finish with 33 points and seven rebounds. James will likely have to wear a protective mask if given the ok to play on Sunday.
The Heat have had mixed results against the Bulls, a team they constantly meet up with in the playoffs. Miami has won 10 of 12 recently, eliminating the Bulls in two of the last three playoff runs. Chicago is making it known they hope James is in the lineup against them, wanting to try their luck at a Heat squad at full strength.
Against Chicago, James is shooting 42.9 percent overall which is his lowest percentage against any team this season. He has totaled just 38 points in his last two games against the Eastern Conference team. Without Luol Deng, James might have an easier time getting to the basket, although Joakim Noah plans on giving him his best for four quarters.
Chicago is playing excellent defense during a nice five-game win streak. The Bulls are limiting opponents to just 85.6 points per game and are coming off a strong routing of the Denver Nuggets. They will certainly be tested as Miami leads the league shooting 51.0 percent from the field. It remains to be seen if that number will hold if James is out of the lineup.