The series between the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers has been nothing short of dramatic. Game 3 ended on a buzzer beater winner from Derrick Rose. Game 4 ended with a buzzer beater shot from LeBron James. With the series tied 2-2, Game 5 could be much of the same between the two teams as things shift back to Cleveland. As injuries start to play a part on both rosters, who will be the hero on Tuesday night?
James has been carrying the Cavaliers throughout the playoffs and the game-winning shot in Game 4 was just another example. The former MVP told the media that he changed the play at the last minute in order to put the shot away and win the game. That worked in his favor. In Game 2 James had 22 first-half points in order to get the win. However, an ankle injury could hold him back. The forward skipped shootaround while he continues to nurse the ankle sprain. Kyrie Irving is dealing with much of the same while having tendinitis in his knee and a sprain in his right foot. The point guard stressed he will be healthy to play in Game 5. Irving has been limited to 11.5 points per game over the last two against Chicago as JR Smith has been helping in his place.
The Bulls also have injury concerns. Pau Gasol missed Game 4 and is considering a game-time decision for Tuesday night. The forward is suffering from a hamstring strain which is holding him back. In his place, Nikola Mirotic and Taj Gibson will take over. The duo looked strong in Game 3, combining for 21 points and 17 rebounds off the bench, but only had nine points and 11 rebounds in Game 4.
The Bulls have been relying heavily on Jimmy Butler and Rose who were the only players on the roster to get to double-digit figures in Game 4. They combined to score 50 points in Game 3. Rose has been averaging 30.5 points over his last two games, but it was not good enough to get the win. With Noah struggling as well, the Bulls need to do some major stepping up to take the series lead on the road.
