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Cavs without 6 players vs. Bulls with Korver away for personal reasons

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty

When it rains, it pours.

The shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers were dealt another blow, as they're taking on the Chicago Bulls on Saturday without Kyle Korver, who's away from the team due to personal reasons.

The veteran marksman had been starting at the two-spot, with Rodney Hood expected to claim it once he returns from a back injury. Hood's on the shelf alongside Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, Larry Nance Jr., and Cedi Osman.

Korver is averaging 9.4 points on 45.8 percent shooting from the field and 43.9 percent from long range to go along with 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists over 68 games. The one-time All-Star, who turned 37 today, is owed $7.5 million annually over the next two years.

The depleted Cavaliers are coming off a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, and are 5-7 since the All-Star break. The club, which has made three consecutive Finals appearances, is barely holding onto the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Tyronn Lue will trot out a starting lineup of Jose Calderon, Jeff Green, George Hill, LeBron James, and Ante Zizic.

"It's been tough," the head coach told ESPN's Dave McMenamin pregame. "Guys in and out of the lineups, different starting linueps, but I think tonight, it's going to be a challenging game for us tonight also. And I think if we win this game in spite of all of the stuff that's going on and finish the trip 3-3 with all the injuries we've had and different lineups, I think it would be a good trip for us."

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