Wade’s squad eyes big opportunity in Ohio
After returning from the All-Star break with a rousing win over New York, can Cleveland also make mincemeat of Chicago this evening?
The Central Division rivals will hit the Quicken Loans Arena floor at 8:30 p.m. ET. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives LeBron James & Co. odds of -900 to take care of business at home. Conversely, the Bulls represent +600 underdogs.
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On Thursday, the Cavaliers (40-16) wasted no time dismantling the Knicks. James notched his sixth triple-double of the season in the 119-104 triumph, while Kyle Korver drained six 3-pointers. Cleveland is now an NBA-best 8-1 in February.
At 29-29, Chicago must scratch and claw for a playoff spot. Fred Hoiberg’s group showed impressive resolve last night, storming back to beat Phoenix 128-121 in overtime. Dwayne Wade battled through foul trouble to lead the Bulls with 23 points. The 35-year-old had missed the previous three contests due to a bruised right wrist.
Whether Wade gets a crack at upending the Cavs remains to be seen. Either way, the visitors expended so much energy about 12 hours ago that they won’t seriously push Tyronn Lue’s crew here. Expect the well-rested hosts to zoom toward victory No. 26 at the Q.
SATURDAY NBA FREE PICK: CAVALIERS -11