The Chicago Bulls host rivals the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night hoping to avoid elimination and instead send the series to a decider.
Where: United Center, Chicago.
When: Friday May 15, 01:00 (UK time)
Watch live: Click here to watch on BT Sport online!
This series has been thrilling from start to finish, with both teams producing memorable moments to get us to this point and it seems a shame that it has to come to an end.
However, it may well do unless the Bulls can find something special to deny LeBron James and Co. with the Cavs arriving in Chicago with a 3-2 series lead.
After Derrick Rose’s game-winner in Game 3, the Bulls have spurned big opportunities to take control, and win, this series and so they will need to put that behind them and respond on Thursday.
Meanwhile, James also hit a game-winner this series in Game 4 before scoring 38 points last time out to ensure that his team have the advantage and have put all the pressure on their rivals.
Chicago are expected to get a boost with the news that center Pau Gasol will play despite struggling with a hamstring strain. The Spaniard insists that it has improved and he hasn’t felt any pain after ramping up his workouts, but it is likely that he will still be limited both in minutes and impact.
Nevertheless, his mere presence on the court adds a new dimension for the Bulls and provided that the injury doesn’t make him a liability on the defensive end, it should have an influence on the game.
Jimmy Butler will need to continue to find a way to guard James, as he was hindered last time out after picking up two early fouls which allowed his rival to get into a rhythm and attack the basket more freely.
As a result, there are so many fascinating aspects of this match-up that will now determine if this goes the distance. Kyrie Irving appears to be dealing with his injury woes, while Rose will need to step up and deliver an MVP-level performance to save his team.
Prediction: It comes down to whether or not LeBron puts the Cavs on his back and wins the game for them again. However, back in Chicago, the Bulls take this one and send it to a decider in Cleveland on Sunday.
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