March 19, 2026 | United Center, Chicago, IL | 7:00 PM ET | NBC Sports Chicago
The Chicago Bulls (27–40) host the Cleveland Cavaliers (40–27) at the United Center tonight, and this is a winnable game at home. They’re 5th in the East and fighting for playoff seeding. We’re 11th in the East and thirteen games under .500, but we’re at home with our fans behind us.
The Cavaliers have Donovan Mitchell—one of the league’s elite scorers. Darius Garland orchestrates everything at point guard. Evan Mobley is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate who protects the rim. They’re balanced, deep, and executing at a high level.
We’re trying to keep up with DeMar DeRozan’s mid-range game and hoping Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton get hot from three. At the United Center, we should have a chance.
For Bulls fans, this is a home game against a playoff team where we need to protect home court and show some fight. And Collin Sexton gets to play his former team.
Where the Bulls Stand (Still Bad)
Record: 27–40 (11th in East)
We’re thirteen games under .500, and the play-in race is over. The defense is terrible (120.5 points allowed per game). The rebounding is a problem (42.6 per game vs Cleveland’s 45.4). But at home, we’ve been better.
Key Players:
- DeMar DeRozan: Still getting his mid-range buckets, needs to dominate at home
- Anfernee Simons: Inconsistent—needs to show up at the United Center
- Collin Sexton: Provides energy, playing against his former team at home
Billy Donovan keeps preaching defense and execution. Against the Cavaliers at home, we need the crowd behind us and solid execution.
The Cleveland Cavaliers: Playoff Team on the Road
Record: 40–27 (5th in East)
The Cavaliers are solidly in the playoff picture. Donovan Mitchell is an elite scorer who can take over games. Darius Garland is a crafty point guard who controls pace. Evan Mobley is a versatile big man who does everything defensively.
Key Players:
- Donovan Mitchell (G): Elite scorer, can drop 40 on any given night
- Darius Garland (PG): Crafty playmaker who controls the game’s tempo
- Evan Mobley (F/C): Defensive anchor with rim protection and versatility
The Numbers:
- 115.2 points per game (balanced offense)
- 111.8 points allowed per game (elite defense)
- 45.4 rebounds per game (dominate the glass)
They’re balanced, deep, well-coached, and playing for playoff positioning. But they’re on the road tonight.
Breaking Down the Matchup
| Category | Bulls | Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 114.6 | 115.2 |
| Points Allowed | 120.5 | 111.8 |
| Assists Per Game | 29.0 | 26.7 |
| 3-Pointers Made | 14.5 | 13.9 |
| Rebounding | 42.6 | 45.4 |
They score slightly more. They defend way better. They rebound better. We pass slightly better and shoot slightly more threes.
But we’re at home. The United Center crowd can be a factor. And playoff teams sometimes struggle on the road.
What the Bulls Need to Do at Home
DeMar DeRozan Takes Over at the United Center
DeMar needs 35+ points and to control the game at home. The crowd will be behind him. Use that energy.
Collin Sexton Shows Up Against His Former Team
Sexton played for the Cavaliers. He’ll want to show them what they’re missing. Extra motivation at the United Center should help.
Hit Threes Consistently
If Simons, Sexton, and our shooters can knock down 18+ threes at 42%+, we can win at home. Get hot early and keep the crowd engaged.
Slow Down Donovan Mitchell
Mitchell’s an elite scorer, but he’s on the road. Make him uncomfortable at the United Center. Don’t let him get easy looks.
Protect Home Court
The United Center. Our fans. We should have an advantage. Win the rebounding battle. Execute defensively. Make Cleveland uncomfortable.
Feed Off the Crowd
Home games matter. Sexton playing his former team should give us extra energy. Use it to our advantage.
What Cleveland Will Bring
Donovan Mitchell will try to score at will with elite shot-making. Darius Garland will orchestrate the offense. Evan Mobley will protect the rim and dominate the boards.
But they’re on the road. If we can get the crowd into it early, we can make them uncomfortable.
Bulls Fan Prediction: Competitive Home Game
Final Score: Bulls 112, Cavaliers 108
DeMar DeRozan dominates at home with 36 points. Collin Sexton gets hot against his former team and drops 27. The United Center crowd gets loud and energizes the team.
Donovan Mitchell battles for 32 points, but we make him work for everything. Darius Garland adds 20. But our home court advantage and Sexton’s emotional performance give us the edge.
We protect the United Center. Four-point win at home against a playoff team. The crowd lifts us to a statement victory.
Why This Game Matters
We’re 11th in the East. The season’s essentially over. But this is the United Center. Our home court. And Collin Sexton gets to play his former team.
The Cavaliers are a playoff team, but they’re on the road. If we can’t protect home court against them, what’s the point?
DeMar DeRozan and Collin Sexton deserve support from the home crowd. And maybe—just maybe—we can steal a win against a playoff team at the United Center.
See Red.