Bulls vs. Cavaliers 2015: Time, TV schedule and live stream for NBA playoffs

The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Chicago Bulls in Game 1 of the second-round series on Monday. LeBron James and the Cavaliers took the season series, 3-1, but they will be undermanned this time around without Kevin Love or J.R. Smith. The full-strength Bulls, who know all about injury, will look to take home-court advantage from the Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers' path to the NBA Finals took a huge blow in their series-clinching win over the Boston Celtics. Not only did they lose Kevin Love for the remainder of the playoffs with a shoulder injury, but J.R. Smith was suspended two games for punching Jae Crowder. But any time James and Kyrie Irving are the court, the Cavaliers have a good chance of beating anyone. James and Irving won't have as easy of a time getting to the lane without Love to help with floor spacing, but the Cavaliers are very capable of scoring in bunches, even against the tough defense of the Bulls.

The Bulls looked great in their Game 6 blowout of the Milwaukee Bucks to advance to the next round and have a history of playing James-led teams tough, but they rarely get the better of the NBA superstar. Derrick Rose has been inconsistent since returning from injury, but should be well rested after getting two full days of rest following the win in Game 6 over the Bucks. Jimmy Butler was the Bulls' go-to guy in the Milwaukee series and will need to continue to play great basketball.

Game 1 is extremely important to both teams. Joakim Noah does not like James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He and the Bulls have an opportunity to jump out in front of the depleted team. If the Cavaliers take Game 1, they'll send the message that they're just fine, and only going to get better.