The Chicago Bulls (10-20) will attempt to prolong their seven-game winning streak against the Cleveland Cavaliers (23-9) at Quicken Loans Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 21, 2017, and will air on Fox Sports – Ohio.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 213 points with Cleveland set as an 11.5-point favorite.
Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Prediction
In the Bulls’ last contest, they blew out the Orlando Magic, 112-94. Chicago’s 23.7 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Orlando, who had a mark of 12.5. The Bulls’ mark was above their season average of 19.9, while the Magic’s was below their season average of 19.1. Chicago was lifted by Denzel Valentine, who led the team in scoring with 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting.
The Cavaliers lost a close one to the Milwaukee Bucks in their last game, 119-116. Milwaukee’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Cleveland. The Bucks had a rate of 23.1 (above their season average of 18.9), while the Cavaliers posted a mark of 17.9 (below the 23.3 mark opponents have averaged against Milwaukee this season). LeBron James had a solid game for Cleveland, leading both teams in scoring with 39 points on 14-for-22 shooting.
Cleveland could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their sharp-shooting offense faces off against one of the worst defenses in the NBA. The Cavaliers currently rank third in effective field goal percentage (0.560), while Chicago ranks 21st in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.526). Ball protection should be an advantage for the Bulls. They rank 3rd at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 13.2 percent). Conversely, the Cavaliers force the seventh-fewest turnovers in the league (opponents’ turnover percentage of 13.7 percent).
Chicago heads into the game with records of 10-20 straight up (SU) and 15-11-3 against the spread (ATS). A little over half of the Bulls’ games have finished under the O/U total.
Cleveland is 23-9 SU, but they have trouble covering the spread (11-20-1 ATS). Unlike Chicago, Cavaliers games have a slight tendency to finish over the total (53.1 percent).
A number of players have played at a high level over the last five games for Chicago. Averaging 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, Nikola Mirotic has led the way. Kris Dunn (16.2 points, 6.6 assists and 2.2 steals) and Bobby Portis (16.2 points and 7.4 rebounds) have also been excellent.
The Cavaliers have won both games against the Bulls this season, including a decisive 22-point victory in their last matchup. Cleveland covered as an 8.5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 204 points, which was 6 points below the projected point total of 210 points. The Cavaliers had a better turnover percentage (7.3 vs. 10.9) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.599 vs. 0.470). Kevin Love recorded a double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Chicago is 8-6-1 ATS on the road with 9 overs and 6 unders.
Cleveland is 2-14-1 ATS at home with 9 overs and 8 unders.
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Cleveland is 10-0 and Chicago is 4-5.
When reaching 100 points, the Cavaliers are 23-7 and the Bulls are 9-6.
Cleveland ranks fourth in assists per game (24.0) while Chicago ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (24.5).
The Cavaliers rank third in three pointers attempted per game (32.7) while the Bulls rank 23rd in three pointers allowed per game (30.2).
Cleveland ranks 13th in points off turnovers per game (17.2) while Chicago ranks 28th (14.3).
The Cavaliers rank 15th in points in the paint per game (43.3) while the Bulls rank 28th (39.3).
Chicago ranks fifth in steals allowed per game (7.0) while Cleveland ranks 11th (7.8).
The Cavaliers rank fourth in blocks allowed per game (4.1) while the Bulls rank 10th (4.5).
Chicago ranks ninth in rebounds per game (44.8) while Cleveland ranks 15th in rebounds allowed per game (43.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Chicago is 5-0 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Cleveland is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Bulls have outscored opponents by an average of 10.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Chicago has lost by an average of 6.5 points.
During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 115.0 points per game (3.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 108.8 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
