Cavaliers Face Chicago In Their Final Game of 22’ | Cavs vs Bulls | OSB
Cavaliers vs. Bulls
Odds, Prediction, & Betting Tips
By Sam Batz
The Cleveland Cavaliers (nba.com/cavaliers) will travel to the Windy City on Saturday, Dec. 31 to take on the Chicago Bulls (nba.com/bulls) in the United Center. Cleveland is looking to break their losing streak after dropping three-straight games to Eastern Conference opponents. The Cavs star point guard, Donovan Mitchell, will look to turn things around after averaging just 18.3 points per game over the losing streak, 10 points below his season average of 28.4. Chicago on the other hand is coming off a statement victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, beating them 119-113 in an overtime thriller on Wednesday. DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic both posted a double-double for Chicago in the win over Milwaukee, and will look to continue that success against another Eastern Conference rival on Saturday.
The Cavaliers are 22-14 and currently the 4th seed in the East. Cleveland is arguably the most improved team over the past two years, having already tied their win total from the 2020-21 season. The Cavs are on pace to finish as a top five team in the East and will almost certainly make the playoffs. Unfortunately, they are in a bit of a skid after losing their last 3 games. The Cavs are 6-4 in their last 10 contests, and will look to get back on track against a middling Chicago Bulls team.
Chicago had high hopes coming into the season but have failed to live-up to expectations. They are 10th in the East with a 15-19 record, and will need to find a spark somewhere in order to get themselves into playoff position. DeMar DeRozan has tried to fuel the fire in Chicago, leading the team in points and assists, but the 5-time All-Star is now 33-years old, and is no longer the type of player who can lead a team deep into the playoffs. Unfortunately, even at their best, Chicago is not good enough to beat the top teams in the East. Wholesale changes are needed, but for now, they will focus on their Saturday night matchup with Cleveland.
Cavaliers vs Bulls Odds
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Cavaliers vs Bulls All-Time Series
The Cavaliers and the Bulls have played a total of 227 regular season games. Historically, Chicago has the advantage, winning approximately 58% of the matchups, totaling 132 wins over the Cavaliers 95. Saturday’s contest will be the second time Cleveland and Chicago have met this season. The Cavs beat the Bulls at home 128-96 in a blowout back in October. Chicago will be out for revenge against Cleveland on Saturday, wanting to defend their home court where they have gone 8-8 on the season.
Betting Trends
- The Bulls are 4-1 ATS in their last five games
- The Cavs are 2-3 ATS in their last five games
- The Bulls are 7-9 ATS at home this year
- The Cavs are 6-10 ATS on the road this year
- The Bulls are 15-7 ATS against the East this year
- The Cavs are 12-9-2 ATS against the East this year
- The Bulls Over/Under record is 6-10 at home this year
- The Cavs Over/Under record is 7-9 on the road this year
Key To The Game: Can The Bulls Overcome The Cavs Defense?
The Bulls will need to outpace the best defense in the league in order to win this one. However, that will be a tough task, as Cleveland is only allowing 106.3 points per game to their opponents. Chicago’s offense has struggled at times, averaging a middle-of-the-pack 113.6 points per game. They are averaging 118.1 points in their last 10 games, showing signs that this offense may be turning things around. However, they are giving up 115.0 points per game to the opposition and will struggle to slow down a Cavaliers offense who have scored over 115 points 13 times this year. The Bulls rank near the bottom in offensive efficiency, and on Saturday, go up against one of the NBA’s top rated defenses. It would be a big upset if the Bulls manage to find a way to overcome the Cavalier’s rim protectors, but to quote Kevin Garrnett, “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!”.
Prediction
I like the Cavaliers in this game. Chicago is coming off an exhausting overtime win over the Bucks, and I don’t see them beating two top-five Eastern Conference teams in one week. The Bulls are too inconsistent for me to have any faith in them against the Cavs. Cleveland roasted Chicago the last time they played, holding the Bulls to just 98 points. Cleveland has the best defense in the league, and while Chicago has several players capable of recording huge numbers, they don’t mesh well enough to break down the Cavaliers imposing defense.
Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers moneyline and the under.
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