After seeing their season-high nine-game winning streak come to an end, the Cleveland Cavaliers look to begin a new streak when they face the visiting Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
Cleveland fell just short in a 123-121 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday after Darius Garland missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer. Donovan Mitchell scored 36 points to lead the Cavaliers, while Jarrett Allen added 21 points and 10 rebounds.
The loss was just the second for Cleveland in its last 19 games, and its first at home since Dec. 29.
Garland missed the potential game-winner Monday, but the fifth-year point guard has played well since returning from a fractured jaw on Jan. 31. Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff has been monitoring Garland’s minutes since his return.
Cleveland has won its last six meetings against Chicago, including two previous matchups this season.
The Bulls received a stellar performance from guard Ayo Dosunmu in a 136-126 road win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. Dosunmu scored a career-high 29 points while shooting 12 of 18 from the field and 5 of 7 from 3-point range. The third-year pro also added seven assists.
Chicago coach Billy Donovan said he hasn’t been surprised by Dosunmu’s development. The Illinois product is averaging 16.4 points on 57.9-percent shooting over his last five games.
The Bulls are hoping to have guard Alex Caruso available when they conclude their four-game road trip against Cleveland. Caruso sat out Monday’s game with a left toe contusion and is listed as questionable.
Torrey Craig started in place of Caruso against Atlanta and had nine points, six rebounds and five assists in 27 minutes.
