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The Chicago Bulls have split the past two games without star point guard Derrick Rose, and they may be without him once again as they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.
Rose didn't practice on Thursday, but the Bulls should still be in good hands with replacement C.J. Watson after easily beating Phoenix 118-97 in their most recent game. Currently holding the top record in the NBA, Rose would certainly give the Bulls a boost as they face an up-and-coming Cavaliers team.
Point guard Kyrie Irving, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, has been impressive so far in leading Cleveland to a 6-7 record. Last season's Cavaliers were 7-9 through their first 16 games before going into a 1-36 tailspin.
Carlos Boozer is coming off his best game of the season, as he torched the Suns for 26 points in the first half en route to a season-high 31 points. Watson was also impressive in his second game back from injury, scoring 23 points and dishing out five assists.
A win on Thursday night would bump Chicago up to 14-3 on the abbreviated season. Last season, the Bulls were 9-8 through their first 17 games, although they obviously finished that season on quite the roll.
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