NBA Playoffs 2015: 10 reasons Cavaliers will beat Bulls

Apr 5, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23), guard Iman Shumpert (4) and guard Kyrie Irving (2) celebrate as Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (0) looks on in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23), guard Iman Shumpert (4) and guard Kyrie Irving (2) celebrate as Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (0) looks on in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 15, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) reacts after he made a three pointer against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) reacts after he made a three pointer against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

J.R. Smith is Only Out for Two Games

Along with Kevin Love, the Cavaliers are going to at least start this series with the Bulls sans J.R. Smith. He’s been a true asset for the Cavaliers as he’s been able to generate points when Cleveland needs them and is starting to lock down his shot selection.

Not having his points close to 10 points per game could very well mean the difference between being up 2-0 heading to Chicago and being in an 0-2 hole. But J.R. Smith is only out two games, and as soon as he comes back he’ll add a massive X-factor to the Cavaliers gameplan.

Chicago may be able to figure out the Cavaliers without J.R. on the floor, but one he comes back and brings his points with him, things could change. It’s only two games, so the Bulls had best get all they can in the games he’s not allowed to play as once he comes back he’ll be someone who could give Chicago major headaches.

Bulls Response: Without J.R., the Cavs are a very average team. His scoring alone makes the Cavs the most dangerous team in the Eastern Conference and when he is gone, he is deeply missed. Which means the Bulls have the right of way to steal the first two games of the series before heading back to the United Center for game three. It will be difficult for the Cavs to beat the Bulls after going down 2-0. Which just marks another advantage for the Bulls when the series happens.

Read more reasons why the Bulls will beat the Cavaliers here.

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