Chicago faces Cleveland, looks to break 4-game skid

Updated Jan. 18, 2022 3:02 a.m. ET

Associated Press

Cleveland Cavaliers (27-18, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (27-15, first in the Eastern Conference)

Chicago; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Chicago enters the matchup with Cleveland as losers of four in a row.

The Bulls are 5-2 in division matchups. Chicago is eighth in the league averaging 111.0 points and is shooting 47.4% from the field.

The Cavaliers are 15-9 against Eastern Conference opponents. Cleveland ranks ninth in the Eastern Conference shooting 35.0% from 3-point range.

The two teams play for the second time this season. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 115-92 in their last meeting on Dec. 9. Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 24 points, and Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 23 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Lonzo Ball is averaging 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.8 steals for the Bulls. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 25.6 points and 4.8 assists over the last 10 games for Chicago.

Jarrett Allen is averaging 16.6 points and 10.9 rebounds for the Cavaliers. Garland is averaging 20.8 points over the last 10 games for Cleveland.

LAST 10 GAMES: Bulls: 5-5, averaging 111.8 points, 42.2 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 7.9 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.4 points per game.

Cavaliers: 7-3, averaging 108.3 points, 44.9 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 5.7 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 104.9 points.

INJURIES: Bulls: Patrick Williams: out (left wrist), Derrick Jones Jr.: out (knee), Tyler Cook: out (ankle), Javonte Green: out (adductor), Alex Caruso: out (reconditioning), Lonzo Ball: out (knee), Zach LaVine: out (knee).

Cavaliers: Collin Sexton: out for season (knee), Rajon Rondo: out (hamstring), Ricky Rubio: out for season (knee), Lamar Stevens: out (knee).

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