Cleveland Cavaliers centre Tristan Thompson fights for a rebound against Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks, right, and centre Joakim Noah, left, during the first half of Game 1 in a second-round NBA basketball playoff series Monday, May 4, 2015, in Cleveland.Tony Dejak/The Associated Press
Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson is expected to start Game 2 against Chicago, a move that puts LeBron James back at his customary small forward position.
Thompson started 15 games during the regular season, but 6-foot-8 big man has been most effective coming off the bench with Cleveland's second unit.
Thompson had eight rebounds in 37 minutes in the first game. The Cavs are missing starters Kevin Love and J.R. Smith, facing the prospect of losing two games at home to start the series.
Thompson's addition to the starting lineup allows James to get out on the perimeter, where he is more dangerous offensively. James expects to be more aggressive and "sharper" in Game 2.
Coach David Blatt started Mike Miller in Game 1, but the 15-year veteran had trouble guarding Mike Duleavy, who scored 13 points in the first quarter as Chicago opened a 16-point lead.