The Cleveland Cavaliers (2-1) are set to host the Chicago Bulls (0-2) today in the first of four scheduled meetings this season, but they will tip this one off with a couple of last-minute changes.
On Tuesday morning, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Cavs sharpshooter J.R. Smith did not participate in practice due to soreness in his back, which left the New Jersey native’s status for tonight’s game in question. However, according to a report from Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, Swish is a go.
In a bit of a surprising twist, Vardon reported that Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue has elected to move forward LeBron James to the point guard position for tonight’s game against the Bulls.
Cavs center Tristan Thompson; who was recently relegated to a reserve role, will take the floor as a member of the starting unit for the first time this season.
“On Monday, Lue said Jose Calderon would start at the point for the injured Derrick Rose (sprained left ankle),” wrote Vardon. “Lue said the change was made so Thompson could guard Bulls center Robin Lopez.”
Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg spoke to reporters with regards to LeBron starting at point guard in tonight’s game. The third-year helmsman said it puts his team in a tough position.
Tonight’s game is scheduled to tip at 7 p.m. ET, broadcasted live by NBA TV, Fox Sports Ohio, and NBC Sports Chicago.