NBA Playoffs
Eastern Conference - Semifinals
Tip-off: Tuesday, 7:05 p.m. ET
Line: Cleveland -5.5, Total: 191.0

The Cavaliers look to take their first lead in the series when they host the Bulls for Game 5 on Tuesday.

The Cavaliers had their backs against the wall in Game 4, as they were looking to avoid facing a 3-1 deficit in Game 5. Cleveland played a great game defensively and would end up winning 86-84 as a 3-point road favorite. The team held the Bulls to just 36.0% shooting from the field and it will need to play with the same type of intensity on the defensive end on Tuesday. This series now shifts to Cleveland, where the Cavaliers have won three of their past four games against the Bulls SU but just two of those four ATS. Chicago is 32-17 ATS off a home loss over the past three seasons, but they now face a Cavaliers team that is 13-4 ATS after five straight games forcing an opponent to commit 14 or less turnovers over the past two seasons. PF Pau Gasol (Hamstring) is doubtful for the Bulls in this game and PF Taj Gibson (Knee) is questionable. Both SF LeBron James (Ankle) and PG Kyrie Irving (Leg) will play for the Cavaliers, who are without PF Kevin Love (Shoulder) and C Anderson Varejao (Achilles) for the remainder of the playoffs.

The Bulls had control of this series heading into Game 4, but now find themselves tied and without home court advantage. They’ll need to win another game in Cleveland this series or they will not be advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. If the Bulls are going to steal Game 5 then PG Derrick Rose (21.4 PPG, 6.5 APG, 4.7 RPG, 1.1 SPG in playoffs) is going to need to continue to play at a high level. Rose is averaging 30.5 PPG, 5.5 APG and 4.5 RPG over the past two games. He looks as fresh as ever and has benefited from attacking an injured Kyrie Irving on both ends of the floor. SG Jimmy Butler (22.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.4 APG, 2.8 SPG in playoffs) must also play well for this team to win. Butler is averaging 19.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 4.0 SPG over the past two games. He has not shot the ball well, going just 15-for-38 from the field but his defense has stood out. He has done a solid job of defending LeBron James and that takes a lot of energy and commitment. C Joakim Noah (5.5 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.2 BPG in playoffs) had eight points, 15 rebounds and a block in Game 4, but he is shooting just 38.2% from the field in the postseason. He needs to start making some shots around the hoop or he will continue to really hurt this team offensively. With both Gibson and Gasol banged up or not playing, PF Nikola Mirotic (5.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG in playoffs) could be counted on to play big minutes. He has not played much in the postseason, but he can space the floor and keep the Cavaliers’ big men on edge with his ability to score.

The Cavaliers desperately needed a win in Game 4 and SF LeBron James (26.5 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 7.8 APG, 2.0 SPG in playoffs) came through for his team, hitting a buzzer beater from deep in the corner to win the game. James has struggled with his shot, going just 18-for-55 over the past two games, but he is still averaging 26.0 PPG, 11.0 APG, 11.0 RPG and 1.5 BPG in those contests. Jimmy Butler is giving him a lot of trouble, but James will need to continue to attack the basket in order to get himself going. PG Kyrie Irving (20.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.4 SPG in playoffs) has been really banged up this series and is averaging just 11.5 PPG over the past two contests. He is struggling to guard Derrick Rose and has been ineffective offensively. If he can’t find a way to impact the game then it will be tough for the Cavaliers to advance. SG J.R. Smith (11.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.5 SPG in playoffs) has shot extremely well since returning from his suspension, averaging 13.5 PPG on 50% shooting from the outside over the past two games. He is not taking bad shots and will need to continue to provide a spark for Cleveland. C Timofey Mozgov (9.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.5 BPG in playoffs) had 15 points, nine boards, three assists and three blocks in 39 minutes of action on Sunday. He must continue to be a force around the basket for the Cavs.