The NBA regular season is back in full swing after the excitement of the In-Season Tournament, and a thrilling Eastern Conference matchup is set for tonight. The Chicago Bulls will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. ET tip-off.
Team Form and Season Outlook
Both teams are looking to build momentum as they navigate the second phase of the regular season. The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a stronger start, boasting a record of 14 wins from their 25 games. Their backcourt duo of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell remains one of the most potent in the league. On the other side, the Chicago Bulls have secured 10 victories from their 25 outings. They are leaning on the dynamic play of young stars like Josh Giddy and the scoring prowess of Coby White to fuel their campaign.
Chicago Bulls Injury Report and Predicted Lineup
The Bulls will be navigating some roster challenges for this game. Guard Ayo Dosunmu is listed as questionable due to a right thumb sprain. The team will definitely be without rookie Noa Essengue, who is recovering from left shoulder surgery. Furthermore, three players—Trentyn Flowers, Emanuel Miller, and Lachlan Olbrich—are on assignment with the G League as part of two-way contracts and will be unavailable.
Given these absences, the predicted starting five for the Bulls is expected to be:
- Josh Giddy at Point Guard (PG)
- Coby White at Shooting Guard (SG)
- Isaac Okoro at Small Forward (SF)
- Matas Buzelis at Power Forward (PF)
- Nikola Vucevic at Center (C)
Key rotational players like Tre Jones, Patrick Williams, and Jalen Smith will be crucial off the bench.
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report and Predicted Lineup
The Cavaliers are dealing with a more significant injury list, which could impact their rotation. Key forward Evan Mobley is out with a left calf strain, and veteran Larry Nance Jr. is also sidelined with a right calf strain. Sharpshooter Sam Merrill is out with a right hand sprain, and Max Strus is recovering from left foot surgery (Jones fracture). Two-way players Chris Livingston and Luke Travers are with the G League.
Despite these setbacks, the Cavaliers' predicted starting lineup remains formidable:
- Darius Garland at Point Guard (PG)
- Donovan Mitchell at Shooting Guard (SG)
- De'Andre Hunter at Small Forward (SF)
- Dean Wade at Power Forward (PF)
- Jarrett Allen at Center (C)
The bench will feature the experienced Lonzo Ball, along with Jaylon Tyson and Craig Porter Jr., who will need to step up.
Game Information and How to Watch
This highly anticipated NBA regular season game promises to be a test of depth for both squads. Fans can catch all the action live on NBC/Peacock. The battle in the paint between Nikola Vucevic and Jarrett Allen, along with the guard duel featuring Giddy, White, Garland, and Mitchell, will be the key storylines to watch. The outcome could hinge on which team's role players rise to the occasion amidst the injury concerns.
