CHICAGO (AP) — Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love is sitting out Thursday night’s game against the Chicago Bulls because of an abrasion in his right eye.

Love, averaging 17 points and 10.4 rebounds, was injured in Wednesday’s win over Miami. He was accidentally poked in the eye by the Heat’s Mario Chalmers while going for a rebound early in the third quarter and went down in extreme pain.

He was re-examined in Chicago. Tristan Thompson started in Love’s place.

Cleveland had won 14 of 15 and trailed Chicago by a half-game in the Central division entering Thursday’s matchup.

The Bulls were without All-Star Jimmy Butler (strained right shoulder) and guard Kirk Hinrich (turf toe).