It will be a battle between Central Division opponents when the Chicago Bulls (24-44) welcome the Cleveland Cavaliers (39-29) to United Center. The game will air on Fox Sports – Ohio at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 17, 2018.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Prediction
In the Cavaliers’ last contest, they were topped by the Portland Trail Blazers, 113-105. Portland won the rebounding battle. The Trail Blazers had 13 offensive rebounds and 50 total rebounds, while the Cavaliers had two and 34, respectively. LeBron James was the top scorer from either team with 35 points on 15-for-25 shooting.
The Bulls barely escaped the Memphis Grizzlies in their last outing, 111-110. The Bulls made 26 of their 33 free throws (78.8 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.531 (above their season average of 0.500). Zach LaVine led Chicago in scoring with 20 points on 4-for-12 shooting.
Chicago should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Chicago ranks fifth in the NBA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.9 percent), while Cleveland forces the fourth-fewest turnovers (12.9 percent). Moreover, the Cavaliers rank fifth in offensive efficiency (110.3), while the Bulls rank 26th in defensive efficiency (109.2).
Cleveland holds records of 39-29 straight up (SU) and 22-45-1 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring the Cavaliers have a slight tendency to go over the projected point total (50.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Chicago owns records of 24-44 SU and 35-30-3 ATS. Much like Cleveland, Bulls games have finished over the O/U total 52.9 percent of the time.
The Cavaliers have won all three games against the Bulls this season, including a narrow 115-112 victory the last time these teams met. Cleveland was unable to cover as a 10-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 227 points, which was 11 points above the projected point total of 216 points. The Cavaliers made 19 of their 22 free throws (86.4 percent) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (18.9 vs. 15.2). James was the game’s leading scorer with 34 points.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Cleveland is 15-20 ATS with 18 overs and 17 unders.
At home, Chicago is 18-14-2 ATS with 19 unders and 15 overs.
Chicago is 6-6 when they allow below 100 points, while Cleveland is 14-2.
In games where they score above 100 points, the Cavaliers are 38-17 and the Bulls are 22-21.
Cleveland ranks fourth in three pointers attempted per game (32.6) while Chicago ranks 28th in three pointers allowed per game (31.6).
The Bulls rank ninth in assists per game (23.5) while the Cavaliers rank 29th in assists allowed per game (25.7).
Chicago ranks seventh in rebounds per game (44.7) while Cleveland ranks 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (44.5).
The Bulls rank fifth in second chance points allowed per game (11.2) while the Cavaliers rank 20th (12.9).
Cleveland ranks third in blocks allowed per game (4.1) while Chicago ranks 16th (4.9).
The Bulls rank third in steals allowed per game (7.0) while the Cavaliers rank 13th (7.6).
Cleveland ranks 17th in points off turnovers per game (16.3) while Chicago ranks 25th (15.0).
The Cavaliers rank 19th in points in the paint per game (43.6) while the Bulls rank 26th (41.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Cleveland is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Chicago is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Cavaliers have been outscored by an average of 1.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Cleveland has defeated opponents by an average of 0.1 points.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 109.6 points per game (6.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 110.6 points per game (1.1 above their season average).
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