Jan 22, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Shaun Livingston (14) picks up a loose ball against Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9) in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Without Kyrie Irving tonight, it’s hard to see how the Cavaliers are going to beat the Chicago Bulls. In general, Irving struggles against Chicago, but he is the Cavaliers’ best player. Without him, Dion Waiters is now their top offense option and the potpourri of players will become the second option. When you look at the stats, tonight’s game looks just as bleak – except for a few categories. Maybe if the Cavaliers can thrive in the categories they have advantages in, they can get their first win over the Bulls this season.

Statistics

Advanced Statistics

Four Factors

Players to Watch:

Cavaliers: Shaun Livingston, point guard

1. Plays 18.9 minutes per night

2. Shooting 48.0 percent from the field

3. Averaging 4.9 points

Bulls: Kirk Hinrich, point guard

1. Averages 7.8 points against Cleveland (1.7 points higher than average)

2. Shooting 60.0 percent against Cleveland (shooting 37.8 percent normally)

3. Shoots 42.8 percent in wins (30.0 percent in losses)

Key Matchup: Tyler Zeller versus Joakim Noah

Tonight is a night where, if the Cavaliers are to pull the upset without Irving, Zeller will need to play a near perfect game against Noah. Stylistically, Zeller matches up horribly with Noah. The former Florida Gator plays strong, physical basketball every minute he is on the floor. Zeller, at his best, runs the floor well and doesn’t rebound very well. When they are matched up, Zeller is going to have to put on his big boy shoes and get physical with Noah. He’ll need to rebound and be in Noah’s face from the opening tip. He won’t be able to make up the 5.3 rebounds per game gap, but Zeller better do his best if the Cavaliers are going to win tonight.