INDEPENDENCE: The Cavaliers’ Big Three remain the Wounded Three. LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are all listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the Chicago Bulls.
James missed shootaround Wednesday because he is sick, Love missed shootaround because he’s still not feeling well following what he believes was a bout with food poisoning, while Irving participated in shootaround, but remains questionable with a right hamstring injury. Mike Dunleavy is also questionable with a right ankle injury.
James admitted after Monday’s win against the New Orleans Pelicans he wasn’t feeling well and left the arena with a bag full of medicine. The Cavs told him to stay home Wednesday morning and rest. Love showed up, but left early. Irving and Dunleavy have missed the last two games.
“It’s a long season. Guys will get banged up, sick, whatever the case may be,” said Tristan Thompson, one of the few healthy players remaining and owner of the longest active consecutive games played streak in the NBA. “But the ironman is going to find a way to be able to put it together tonight and go out and compete.”
If all of the questionable players are unable to play, the Cavs would have just eight healthy bodies for the national television game against the Bulls, who are dealing with their own issues.
Rookie Denzel Valentine did not make the trip because of an ankle injury, Dwyane Wade will be a game-time decision with a knee injury and Rajon Rondo has been benched the last two games. Wade told the Chicago Tribune Wednesday morning the knee is feeling better and that there is no soreness, just swelling.