Bulls vs. Cavaliers: Cavs are coming to town

[Thanks to jrobulls for today's game preview. Deng is out, Butler is out, Kirk is a gametime decision. -yfbb]

In their first meeting in Cleveland, the Cavs won 97-93 which was the last game of the long road trip. Now, It's the last game for the Bulls (9-16) before Christmas comes. After being somewhat competitive in the OKC game (and then being blown out in the predictable 3rd quarter), and sustaining another injury, the Bulls look to get off the 4 game losing streak. The Bulls are 2-8 in their last 10. That is also known as "good tanking form."

The Cavaliers (10-15) come off an overtime win last night against the Bucks. Let's look at the starting five.

G - Kyrie Irving - Irving was questionable for last night's game due to illness (the flu), but managed to put up 39 points in 42 minutes. And now, a carol:

Here comes Kyrie, Here comes Kyrie, right down the center of the lane
Boozer rotates over to help, but he is late again
Kyrie scores and we all mourn our team is just not right
Just to hope is not gonna stop Kyrie Irving from scoring tonight.

G - CJ Miles - I typed in "CJ Miles" in Google. The first link said "Sexy Filipina CJ Miles is the hottest nude girl that bares all." Need I say more? I don't think so.

F - Tristan Thompson - He is having a decent year, averaging a double-double (11.5 PPG, 10.1 RPG). He leads the team in rebounds, and had 15 rebounds last night. Averages just under 30 minutes a game.

F- Alonzo Gee - Gee is not a huge scoring threat, averaging 3.6 PPG. He shoots 40.7% from the field and 30% from three. He was 0-5 from deep last night. This can only mean that Gee will shoot 5-7 from 3 tonight. Then we can all go "Gee whiz."

C - Andrew Bynum - The man with the uncontrollable hair is actually playing this year, but has struggled to find consistency in his shooting, as he is 42.5% from the field, while his career average is 55.9%. Expect him to get 20-25 minutes. With Varejao as backup, there is no hesitation to sub Bynum out if he is struggling.

Key Bench Players

G - Jarrett Jack - Capable backup point guard, averaging 10.3 points in 27 minutes. He scored 17 points last night on 6-17 shooting.

F - Earl Clark - Averages 6 and 3 in 17 minutes off the bench. Earl Clark has played with a different team each season.

C - Anderson Varejao - We all know it...he's like Joakim Noah, in that they are both listed 6'11" and have long hair and can grab rebounds like they are free candy. If it wasn't for Bynum, Varejao would start. He plays almost 10 more minutes per game than Bynum anyway, and is their second leading rebounder averaging 8.7 per game.

G - Matthew Dellavedova - The rookie is from Australia who played four years at Saint Mary's, setting records at the school for career points, assists, games played, and free throw percentage. He was undrafted but signed with the Cavs in September after a successful Summer League stint with them. He has worked his way into a solid bench player and has even started 3 games. He only averages 3.7 points in 13.8 minutes, but shoots 48%. That's not too bad for an undrafted rookie with a $1.3 million 2 year contract.

Bulls starting 5: Augustin, Snell, Dunleavy, Boozer, Noah - Subject to change. This preview is out a little early.

Overall outlook: I expect another ugly game with another great point guard on the opponent's side. The Cavs seem like they should be a better team, but their forwards are a bit underwhelming. Even if there is no Hinrich and/or Deng and/or Butler, I expect a close game and wouldn't be surprised if the Bulls edged out a win (whether you want them to or not)

Miscellanious: Former Bulls trade rumor target Dion Waiters will probably be out with a sore wrist. A few days ago, he denied asking for a trade.

If you get really bored, go over and try the Google crossword.

Game starts at 7 PM CST/ 8 PM EST on WGN and NBATV.