CHICAGO _ Fred Hoiberg didn't need to be told the Bulls played the rare role of favorites Saturday night.
"First time," the Bulls coach cracked.
Given the way the Bulls slogged through a 99-98 victory over the hapless Cavaliers, it could be the last time oddsmakers smile favorably upon them. Then again, the Bulls do face the Cavaliers three more times.
But even with LeBron James gone to the Lakers, Kevin Love injured and now a 1-11 record, the Cavaliers rallied from a 16-point deficit to make the Bulls sweat. They needed Jabari Parker's blocked shot of rookie Collin Sexton's put-back attempt at the buzzer to survive.
"It might be a little bit more open because LeBron left," Zach LaVine said of facing the Bulls' longtime nemesis. "But it's still hard to win in this league. That's what we're trying to learn to do."
LaVine continued his scoring prowess, throwing down three highlight-reel dunks and finishing with 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists in a sensational effort. LaVine has scored 20 or more points in a career-best 14 straight games, including all 13 this season.
Hoiberg dropped Cameron Payne to third-string point guard behind Ryan Arcidiacono and Shaquille Harrison and kept Robin Lopez ahead of Cristiano Felicio in the big-man rotation. Arcidiacono celebrated his first NBA start by scoring 10 of his career-high 15 points in the first quarter and continuing to lead the team in floor burns.
"I love the intangibles that Arch brings to this team," Hoiberg said. "He's an effort guy. He's going to sacrifice his body. He's taken more charges already this year than, I think, anybody took in a full 82 games a year ago. ... Arch deserves it."
Hoiberg cited Arcidiacono's fit with Parker as another reason for the move. But he easily could've fingered Payne's struggles. While Arcidiacono moved to third in the NBA in assists-to-turnover ratio, Payne shot 29.3 percent in his last five games.
"I'm focused on the task at hand but I took a step back (Friday)," Arcidiacono said about his first start. "I talked to my Dad. I thought back to starting in the G League and slowly getting a two-way (contract) to making the team to playing. I had that journey that not many people take to be a player in this league. I take great pride in it."
Payne started 11 of the first 12 games, coming off the bench only for the Oct. 22 game in Dallas in which Kris Dunn sprained the MCL in his left knee. Dunn, who also missed the first two games while on paternity leave, is sidelined four to six weeks.
Harrison fared well in his reserve minutes, so who knows when Payne will return to the rotation.
"I talked to Cam about it," Hoiberg said. "He was good. He needs to keep working, which I know he'll do. He's in this gym as much if not more than anybody else on this team."
Parker scored five fourth-quarter points and ably defended once when switched on to Sexton, who scored a career-high 20 points. Sexton beat Arcidiacono on the Cavaliers' final possession only to come up short on his layup attempt before his put-back, one of 15 Cavs offensive rebounds.
The possession followed a turnover by LaVine, who passed to Wendell Carter Jr. as Carter came up to set a screen.
The game also featured the Bulls' first look at David Nwaba, who signed a minimum contract with the Cavs after the Bulls rescinded his qualifying offer to sign Parker. Nwaba played well for the Bulls last season.
"I thought there was room for me. They had a different plan," Nwaba said. "I know they were looking to clear up space for Jabari. I understand it's a business and that's what they wanted to do. I played hard and gave a solid effort every game last season. I'm still living a dream here, so I can't complain."
