Cavs' Iman Shumpert Will Play In Game 3 Against Bulls
(CBS) Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert will play in Game 3 against the Bulls on Friday night after suffering a strained groin in Wednesday's win, Cleveland coach David Blatt said. Shumpert had previously been a game-time decision.
Blatt didn't commit to a starting lineup, but Shumpert is likely to go back to a reserve role with the return of guard J.R. Smith from suspension. Shumpert's health will be monitored more closely, Blatt said.
Shumpert scored 22 points in Game 1 and added 15 points in Game 2. With Smith out, he filled the outside shooting void by making 47 percent of his 3-pointers, and his giving it a go gives Cleveland more depth and options. Shumpert has also played a role in defending Jimmy Butler, the Bulls' leading scorer.
In other pregame news, the second Cavaliers' bus arrived about 30 minutes late to the United Center because of Chicago traffic troubles. It didn't have a police escort. That bus included Blatt and stars LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.
"I was looking at our guys, and it didn't seem to bother them," Blatt said.
"These guys have probably been through this before. They should be fine."