Here is everything you need to know before the Chicago Bulls host the Cleveland Cavaliers:
Only 13 games remain in Chicago's turbulent 2025-26 season, and the Bulls are climbing up the NBA Draft Lottery odds leaderboard.
The Bulls currently have the ninth-best odds to win the lottery at 4.5% (20.3% Top 4), but it's going to be much harder to rise any higher than that. Chicago is 3.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the No. 8 spot and has the Milwaukee Bucks hot on its trail, just half a game back at No. 10.
Thursday night's bout against the Cleveland Cavaliers provides a prime opportunity for the Bulls to create some space with the Bucks and solidify their lottery positioning. The Cavs are 23-11 since the calendar turned to 2026 and are still vying for a top seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
Cleveland is the No. 4 seed in the East with 13 games remaining, 2.5 games behind the No. 3 New York Knicks and 2.5 games ahead of the No. 5 Toronto Raptors. The Bulls, meanwhile, are nearing their official elimination from playoff contention.
Here's everything you need to know before the Bulls host the Cavaliers:
How to Watch
Cleveland Cavaliers (42-27) @ Chicago Bulls (28-41)
Location: United Center | Chicago, Illinois
Tipoff: Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. CT
TV: Chicago Sports Network | Announcers: Adam Amin, Stacey King
Radio: 104.3 The Score | Announcers: Chuck Swirsky, Bill Wennington
Bulls Spanish Radio: WRTO 1200 AM | Announcers: Miguel Esparza, Elio Benitez
Betting Odds (DraftKings)
Betting Line: Cavaliers -10.5
Moneyline: Cavaliers -550, Bulls +410
Over/Under: 237.5
The sites encourage responsible gambling and provide resources for help. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. The National Council on Problem Gambling help line can be reached at 1-800-522-4700.
Injury Report
Chicago Bulls
Zach Collins: Out for Season (Right Big Toe Surgery)
Noa Essengue: Out for Season (Left Shoulder Surgery)
Jaden Ivey: Out (Left Knee Soreness)
Yuki Kawamura: Out (G League/Two-Way)
Mac McClung: Out (G League/Two-Way)
Isaac Okoro: Out (Right Knee Pain)
Collin Sexton: Available
Anfernee Simons: Out (Left Wrist Fracture)
Jalen Smith: Out (Right Calf Strain)
Cleveland Cavaliers
Jarrett Allen: Out (Right Knee Tendinitis)
Donovan Mitchell: Questionable (Left Eye Contusion)
Craig Porter Jr: Out (Left Groin Strain)
Tyrese Proctor: Out (Right Quad Strain)
Olivier Sarr: Out (G League/Two-Way)
Last Game's Starters
Chicago Bulls (Wednesday, Mar. 18 vs. Toronto Raptors)
G Josh Giddey
G Tre Jones
F Leonard Miller
F Matas Buzelis
C Jalen Smith
Cleveland Cavaliers (Tuesday, Mar. 17 @ Milwaukee Bucks)
G James Harden
G Donovan Mitchell
F Sam Merrill
F Dean Wade
C Evan Mobley