In what could easily be an Eastern Conference Finals matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls face off in a second-round battle where injuries could play a dictating role.
One such injury that has already taken center stage is the shoulder of Kevin Love, who has now been ruled out for the remainder of the postseason. Up against a strong frontcourt, David Blatt and the Cavaliers have several lineup variations to consider. Timofey Mozgov will be the primary presence inside the paint and will be tasked with protecting the rim from Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah. The question then becomes: do the Cavs move LeBron James to the four or insert Tristan Thompson into the starting lineup?
The most viable option is to move James to the four. However, the Cavaliers' backcourt has also thinned out as a result of a suspension to J.R. Smith, who will miss the first two games of the series as a result of a backhand K.O. to the face of Jae Crowder. The other piece of the trade that landed Smith in Cleveland, Iman Shumpert, will almost certainly take his place in the starting lineup. The Cavs will then have to decide between guys like Mike Miller, James Jones, and Shawn Marion to complete the starting rotation.
Meanwhile, the Bulls may have to juggle their lineup to combat the Cavaliers' maneuvers. Jimmy Butler will be looked upon to guard James, which may present a mismatch elsewhere on the court. Tom Thibodeau could adjust his lineup a number of times throughout the series in order to shut down James and also create a favorable matchup for his own Bulls squad. Depth in the post will be the biggest advantage Thibodeau has to work with as Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic will provide much-needed insurance for Gasol and Noah. If David Blatt elects to start Tristan Thompson, the Bulls may have an advantage with their reserve forwards.
Both the Bulls and Cavaliers have deep rosters that could allow either team to extend their stay in the playoffs. Each team has players that could change the course of a game on any given night. Mike Miller and James Jones for the Cavs and Taj Gibson and Aaron Brooks for the Bulls are just four of the names that could rise into focus during the series. As a whole, while the Bulls' bench consists of less-recognizable names, they are more well-managed than that of the Cavaliers. However, the starting lineup will have to bring their A-Game against a superior Cavs lineup headlined by the best player in the world.
Key matchup: Kyrie Irving against Derrick Rose
Rose was impressive against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, but will need to elevate his game on both sides of the ball against a rival point guard in Irving. Irving had his share of big games against the Boston Celtics and averaged 23.3 points per game in his first career playoff series. But offensive facilitation and defense will come to the forefront as Irving and Rose take center stage in round two.
X-factor: Joakim Noah
After averaging just 6.5 points per game in round one, Noah will need to elevate his scoring against the Cavs. If he is effective in all facets of the game-starting with defense-the Bulls could wind up on top at the end of the series.
Prediction: Cavaliers in 7
Series MVP: LeBron James
The King needs no Love.