Central Notes: Bulls, Pistons, France, Cavs, Donovan Mitchell

Bulls

Guard Zach LaVine said it was nice to see support from the crowd in Paris in Thursday’s win over the Pistons.

“Seeing it first person is a lot better,’’ LaVine said, via Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “How the Bulls brand and recognition, through starting lineups, anytime anyone scored, you hear a big portion of the crowd roar. It was beautiful.’’

Coach Billy Donovan agreed.

“When you get a chance to go to a different country and see people that maybe follow the NBA in ways with the time change — and who knows what hours of the morning, flipping on games or taping games — it’s great for people here in Paris to get an up-close look at the NBA,’’ Donovan said, via Cowley. “It makes you realize the sport is followed so closely around the world. It was amazing that the place was sold out and the enthusiasm.’’

Pistons

• The Pistons were actually the home team in France, but got little enjoyment during a game in which they never led and did a fairly poor job defensively.
• As Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press relayed, about the most exciting thing for Pistons fans was the courtside presence of future No. 1 draft pick Victor Wembanyama. The Pistons will undoubtedly be playing the lottery and have a shot at the 7-foot-2 prospect.
• Guard Killian Hayes was the lone French player on either roster. “It was a bit frustrating to not be the winners tonight,” he said.

Cavaliers

• Star guard Donovan Mitchell (groin) is listed as questionable for Friday’s home game against the defending champion Warriors.
• Mitchell participated in practice on Thursday, though it involved just a film session and walk-through, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. A source told Hoops Wire that Mitchell is likely to be a close-to-game-time decision.
• In case you missed it, you can check out the latest Dribbles right here. Also, our Cavs page is right here.